brakes FORD E-450 1999 User Guide

Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
Distribute the load so that only 10 to 15% of the total is on the tongue.
Tie down the load so that it does not shift and change the weight on the
hitch.
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully after any towing operation.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight could result in engine damage, transmission/axle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer, and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use or install hitches that clamp onto the bumper or to the axle.
Underbody hitches are acceptable if installed properly.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the vehicle. To connect the
trailer's safety chains, cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow
slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
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Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type brakes are safe if
installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations.
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.
Using a step bumper
The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and requires only a
ball with a 25.4 mm (one inch) shank diameter. The bumper has a
2 270 kg (5 000 lb.) trailer weight and 227 kg (500 lb.) tongue weight
capability.
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position, a
frame-mounted trailer hitch must be installed.
Driving while you tow
Do not drive faster than 88 km/h (55 mph) when towing a trailer. Do not
drive faster than 72 km/h (45 mph) with any weight on the trailer while
towing on a hot day or in hilly country.
Speed control may shut off if you are towing on long, steep grades.
When towing a trailer:
²Use D (Drive) or a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills.
This will eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum
fuel economy and transmission cooling.
²Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
When descending long, steep downhill grades, always use a lower gear to
provide engine braking to save wear on brakes. Use Drive (Overdrive
Driving
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BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed. Refer to the
maintenance guide and or service
guide for the service interval
schedules:
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid until
the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Ford specifications.
Refer toLubricant specificationsin theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic.
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry. This
may cause the brakes to fail.
MAX
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Washing your vehicle
Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge, washing glove
or similar device and plenty of water
for best results. To avoid spots,
avoid washing when the hood is still
warm, immediately after or during
exposure to strong sunlight.
During winter months, it is especially important to wash the vehicle on a
regular basis. Large quantities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove and also cause damage to the vehicle.
Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a car
wash. If you have wax applied to the vehicle at a commercial car wash, it
is recommended that you clean the wiper blades and windshield as
described inCleaning the wiper blades and windshield.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them.
Waxing your vehicle
Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three
or four months, depending on operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Use cleaning fluid or
alcohol with a clean cloth to remove any bugs and tar before waxing
vehicle. Use tar remover to remove any tar spots.
Avoid getting wax on the windshield. If you have wax applied at a
commercial car wash, it is recommended that you clean the wiper blades
and windshield as described inCleaning the wiper blades and
windshield.
Repairing paint chips
Minor scratches or paint damage from road debris may be repaired with
touch-up paint, repair foil or aerosol paint spray from the Ford accessory
line. Observe the application instructions on the products.
Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect remains, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout immediately.
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Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................83
and child safety seats ..............84
description ................................83
disposal ......................................87
indicator light ...........................86
passenger air bag .....................85
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive ...................109,110,111
Axle
refill capacities ........................189
Battery
disconnecting ............161,162,163
voltage gauge ............................14
Brakes ........................................103
anti-lock .....................103,104,105
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................104
fluid, checking and adding ....150
shift interlock ..........................108
Break-in period ..........................2,3
CD player ....................................53
Child safety seats
attaching with tether straps ....93
in rear seat ................................90
tether anchorage
hardware ..............................93,97
Cleaning your vehicle ...............183
engine compartment ..............185
exterior .............................184,187
exterior lamps .........................186
interior .....................................186
plastic parts ............................186
washing ....................................184
waxing .....................................184
wheels ......................................185
windows ..................................187
wiper blades ............................186
Controls
power seat .................................72
Coolant ...............................153,154checking and adding ..............152
refill capacities ........................154
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................159
Emission control system ..........178
Engine
coolant .....................................151
idle speed control ...................159
service points ..........................147
starting after a collision .........123
Engine block heater .................101
Engine oil
checking and adding ..............149
dipstick ....................................147
specifications ...................147,149
Exhaust fumes ..........................101
Fail safe cooling .................154,155
Fuel
choosing the right fuel ...........171
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................177
detergent in fuel .....................172
filling your vehicle
with fuel ...........................170,173
gauge .........................................12
quality ......................................172
running out of fuel .................172
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................170
Fuses ...................................125,126
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ..............174,175,176,177
Gauges .........................................12
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................13
engine oil pressure gauge ........13
GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
calculating ...............................113
Hazard flashers .........................123
Headlamps
aiming ......................................183
Index
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bulb specifications ..................183
high beam ............................11,15
warning chime ..........................11
Heating ........................................16
auxiliary heater and air
conditioner ...........................21,22
heater only system .........16,17,18
heating and air conditioning
system .............................18,19,20
Hood ..........................................146
Ignition .......................................195
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................179
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................186
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............11
positions of the ignition ...........56
Lamps
daytime running light ...............15
headlamps .................................15
headlamps, flash to pass ..........16
instrument panel, dimming .....16
interior lamps ...........................63
replacing bulbs ..179,180,181,182
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................57
Lights, warning and indicator
air bag ........................................10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..............8
brake ............................................8
charging system ........................10
engine oil pressure ...................11
safety belt .................................10
service engine soon .................8,9
turn signal indicator .................10
Lumbar support,
seats ..............................73,74,75,76
Mirrors
side view mirrors (power) .......65
Motorcraft parts ........................174
Octane rating ............................172Odometer .....................................14
Overdrive .....................................62
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................67
Parking brake ............................105
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................129
Power door locks ........................64
Power steering ..........................107
fluid, checking and adding ....156
Radio ...................23,24,25,26,27,28
29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37
Relays .................................125,131
Remote entry system .................65
illuminated entry ......................70
locking/unlocking doors ......65,66
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................69
replacing the batteries .............67
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................................11
Safety restraints
cleaning the safety belts ...82,187
extension assembly ..................81
for children ..........................87,88
lap belt ......................................80
warning light and chime .....11,82
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ................76,77,78,79,80
Seats ............................................71
child safety seats ......................89
Servicing your vehicle ..............145
Spark plugs, specifications .......188
Special notice ................................3
ambulance conversions ..............3
diesel-powered vehicles .............4
Specification chart, lubricants .193
Speed control ..............................57
Speedometer ...............................12
Starting your vehicle ...........98,100
jump starting ............139,140,142
Index
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