towing FORD E SERIES 1996 4.G User Guide

238 [DR37100(BE )03/93]Trailer Tow/Step bumper
[DR37225( E )06/93]
The step bumper has a built-in hitch and only
requires a ball with a one inch shank diameter.
The step bumper has a limited Class III
capability (5000 lb/2270 kg) trailer weight and
500 lb/227 kg tongue weight.
*
[DR37800( ALL)11/89]
Safety Chains
*
[DR37900( ALL)12/92]
Always use safety chains between your vehicle
and trailer. Cross chains under the trailer tongue
and allow slack for turning corners. Connect
safety chains to the vehicle frame or hook
retainers. Never attach chains to the bumper.
[DR37935( E )03/93]
Located near the step bumper hitch ball position
are two holes in the hitch plate for a Class III
trailer (max). These holes may be used for safety
chain attachment when towing with a step
bumper. Always use safety chains when towing.
Safety chains are used to retain connection
between the towing and towed vehicle in the
event of separation of the trailer coupling or
ball. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue
and allow slack for turning corners. Connect the
chain to the hitch plate using a positive
coupling, such as ªQuick Linksº, with a strength
rating of at least that of the safety chain rating.
*
[DR38000( ALL)01/93]
Trailer Brakes
*
[DR38100( ALL)03/95]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most
towed vehicles weighing over 1,500 lb (680 kg).
*
[DR38200( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
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.
File:10ltdre.ex
Update:Wed Apr 17 08:44:07 1996

239 [DR38300( ALL)06/95]
Trailer lamps
*
[DR38400( ALL)11/89]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to Federal
and local regulations.
*
[DR38425(BEF )03/91]
Class I and Class II Trailer Tow electrical wiring
provides two circuits (right hand and left hand)
to operate trailer stop/turn tail lamps. Each
stop/turn circuit will operate one combination
stop/turn light bulb (#1157, 3157, 2357, or 3357)
on the trailer. Never add more than one trailer
light bulb to one circuit.
*
[DR38450( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has
the specified amperage rating. Using a
fuse with a higher amperage rating can
cause severe wire damage and could start
a fire.
[DR38500( ALL)06/95]
Driving While You Tow
*
[DR38520( ALL)05/95]
Be especially careful when driving while you
tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph
(70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on
hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
%*
[DR38540( ALL)01/95]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
*
[DR38700(BEF )06/95]
If your vehicle is equipped with an Electronic
4-Speed Automatic (E4OD or 4R70W)
transmission, operate in Overdrive. Refer to the
automatic transmission operation earlier in this
chapter.
*
[DR38800( ALL)06/95]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer,
operate in Drive rather than Overdrive. If
additional braking is needed, shift the automatic
transmission gearshift into 2 (Second) gear or 1
(Low).
File:10ltdre.ex
Update:Wed Apr 17 08:44:07 1996

240
*
[DR38925( ALL)05/95]
Servicing your vehicle if you tow
*
[DR38950( ALL)08/93]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and
Recordbooklet for additional information.
*
[DR39000( ALL)01/93]
Trailer towing tips
*
[DR39100( ALL)11/89]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning,
stopping and backing in an area away from
heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of the
vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[DR39200( ALL)05/90]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with
someone outside at the rear of your trailer to
guide you. Place your hand at the bottom of the
steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight
movement of the steering wheel results in a
much larger movement of the rear of the trailer.
*
[DR39300( ALL)11/89]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer
attached. Trailer brakes should be applied first,
whether manually or automatically controlled,
when approaching a stop.
*
[DR39400( ALL)11/89]
For a good handling truck-trailer combination,
the trailer tongue load should be approximately
10-15% of the loaded trailer weight.
*
[DR39500( ALL)05/95]
Make a thorough check of your equipment
before starting out on the road. After you have
traveled about 50 miles (80 km) stop in a
protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel
lug nuts for tightness.
*
[DR39600( ALL)11/89]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal
turning point so the trailer wheels will clear
curbs or other obstructions.
File:10ltdre.ex
Update:Wed Apr 17 08:44:07 1996

258
*
[RE24700( ALL)05/95]
Towing Your Vehicle
[RE24875( ALL)06/95]
The recommended method to tow your
Econoline is with flatbed or wheel lift
equipment. However, slingbelt towing is
acceptable. On vehicles equipped with an air
dam, the towbar will deform the rubber air dam.
*
[RE27500(BEF )05/95]
RWARNING
Never use a tow bar that attaches to the
bumper when you tow your vehicle. This
could damage the bumper and cause an
accident.
File:11ltree.ex
Update:Wed Apr 17 08:42:44 1996

259
Customer Assistance
*
[HS00205( ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00210( ALL)06/95]
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour,
seven-day-a-week hotline with trained operators
that put you in touch with the help you need if
you experience a problem with your vehicle.
This complimentary service is provided to you
throughout your warranty period of 3 years or
36,000 miles (60,000 km), whichever comes first.
To purchase Roadside Assistance coverages
beyond this period (available through Ford Auto
Club in the United States or Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealers in Canada), contact
your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
*
[HS00215( ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance will cover the following:
*
[HS00220( ALL)06/94]
q
Mount your spare if you have a flat tire.
*
[HS00225( ALL)06/94]
q
Jump-start your battery if it is dead.
*
[HS00230( ALL)06/94]
q
Unlock your vehicle if you are locked out.
*
[HS00235( ALL)06/94]
q
Bring you fuel if you run out.
*
[HS00240( ALL)06/94]
q
Tow your vehicle if you are stranded. Even
non-warranty related tows, like accidents or
getting stuck in mud or snow, are covered
(some exclusions apply, such as impound
towing and repossession).
File:12lthse.ex
Update:Wed Apr 17 08:41:20 1996

322
*
[SV33500( ALL)01/95]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
*
[SV33601(BEF )06/95]
Under normal driving conditions automatic
transmission fluid should be changed every
30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 21,000 miles
(34,000 km) if under severe duty conditions.
However, if the transmission is not working
properly, for instance, the transmission may slip
or shift slowly, or you may notice some sign of
fluid leakage, the fluid level should be checked.
[SV33605(BEF )06/95]
NOTE: Except E4OD transmission, there is no
30,000 mile (48,000 km) sheduled
transmission fluid change requirement.
[SV33615( ALL)05/95]
Transmission fluid, filter and seal assembly
should be changed every 21,000 miles
(34,000 km) only under any of the following
conditions.
[SV33620( ALL)04/95]
q
Extended periods of high speed driving
during hot weather at/or above+90ÊF
(+30ÊC).
[SV33625( ALL)06/95]
q
Towing a trailer for distances over 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) per trip.
[SV33630( ALL)04/95]
q
Accumulating 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or more
per month.
[SV33635( ALL)04/95]
q
Continuous operation and/or extensive idling
(a delivery service as an example).
[SV33640( ALL)04/95]
q
Operating in severe dust conditions.
[SV33645( ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Use of a transmission fluid other than
specified could result in transmission
malfunction and/or failure. Refer to
ªAdding automatic transmission fluidº,
ªRefill capacitiesº and ªlubricant
specificationsº for further information.
File:14ltsve.ex
Update:Wed Apr 17 08:40:13 1996

382 Index
D
Dashboard (see Instrument panel)...... 81
Daytime running light system....... 93
Defects, reporting............ 266
Dipstick
automatic transmission fluid....322, 324
engine oil.............. 298
power steering fluid.......... 328
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)...... 258
Dispute Settlement Board........ 262
Doors................. 113
Driveline universal joint and slip yoke . . 326
Driving under special conditions
bad weather............. 216
heavy load.............. 218
high speed.............. 215
high water.............. 217
slippery roads............ 216
tips for safe driving.......... 214
towing a trailer............ 219
E
Electrical system
circuit breakers............ 339
fuses...............331, 338
operating when the engine is off..... 56
power point outlet.......... 148
Electronic AM radio (see Electronic sound
system)................ 187
Electronic radio with cassette
(see Electronic sound system)..... 178
Electronic sound system
radio reception............ 190
tuning the radio.....151, 165, 180, 188
warranty and service information.... 193
Electronic stereo cassette radio
(see Electronic sound system)..... 178
File:ltixe.ex
Update:Wed Apr 17 08:36:26 1996

Index 383
Electronic stereo radio
(see Electronic sound system)..... 178
Emergencies, roadside
assistance.............. 259
battery acid spills.........243, 321
jump-starting............. 243
towing................ 258
Emergency brake (parking brake)..... 212
Emission control system......... 346
catalytic converter.......... 346
emissions warranty....... 4,346, 349
Engine
check engine warning light....... 71
diesel................. 6
fuel injected engine, starting..... 57,59
fuel pump shut-off switch........ 63
preparing to start............ 58
refill capacities............ 353
service points............ 283
starting.............. 55,59
starting after a collision......... 63
storing your vehicle........361±362
Engine block heater............ 62
Engine coolant
checking and adding......... 301
checking hoses............ 305
disposal...........301, 304, 324
drain and flush............ 306
preparing for storage......... 362
proper solution............ 303
recovery reservoir........283, 302
refill capacities............ 353
refill procedure............ 306
specifications............. 304
temperature gauge........... 78
Engine coolant temperature gauge..... 78
File:ltixe.ex
Update:Wed Apr 17 08:36:26 1996

Index 389
Lights, warning and indicator (continued)
high beam............... 77
overdrive off............. 201
rear ABS................ 70
safety belt............... 71
testing the warning lights........ 58
theft system.............. 75
turn signal indicator.......... 99
Load limits
GAWR................ 218
GVWR................ 218
trailer towing............. 220
Lubricant specifications......... 357
Lug nuts
standard............... 252
tightening sequence.......... 255
Lumbar support, seats.......... 141
M
Maintenance schedule and record
(see separate Maintenance Schedule
and Record booklet).......... 3
Maintenance (see Servicing)....... 279
Master cylinder, brakes......... 326
Mileage, calculating fuel economy.... 295
Mirrors
dual electric remote control...... 146
rearview............... 143
side view mirrors (manual)...... 144
side view mirrors (power)....... 146
vanity mirror............. 143
vanity mirror, illuminated....... 143
Motorcraft parts............. 356
File:ltixe.ex
Update:Wed Apr 17 08:36:26 1996

Index 391
R
Radio (see Electronic sound systems) . . . 149
Rear anti-lock brakes.......... 208
Rear axle
lubricant specification......... 357
refill capacity............. 353
traction lok............216, 312
Rear window.............. 123
washer reservoir........... 308
Refill capacities for fluids........ 353
Remote entry system.......... 116
arming and disarming the anti-theft
system.............. 118
illuminated entry........... 120
locking/unlocking doors....... 117
panic alarm............. 117
replacement/additional transmitters . . 120
replacing the batteries......... 118
Reporting safety defects......... 266
Restraints, safety (see Safety restraints)
adult................. 11
child.................. 38
infant............... 38,41
Roadside assistance........... 259
Roadside emergencies.......... 243
Rotating the tires............ 312
S
Safe driving tips............ 214
Safety belts (see Safety restraints)...... 11
Safety chains, when towing a trailer . . . 238
Safety defects, reporting......... 266
Safety information relating to automotive
fuels................. 292
Safety restraints
automatic locking mode (retractor).... 13
center front lap belt........... 22
center rear lap belt........... 22
cleaning the safety belts......... 28
File:ltixe.ex
Update:Wed Apr 17 08:36:26 1996