towing FORD E SERIES 1998 4.G User Guide

Trailer towing tips
²Practice turning, stopping and backing up in an area 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.
²Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
²The trailer tongue weight should be 10±15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
²After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
²When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place
the gearshift in P (Park) and increase idle speed. This aids engine
cooling and air conditioner efficiency.
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval,
²Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper and
²Do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (six inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
If the rear axle is submerged in water, the rear axle lubricant should be
changed. Axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked unless a leak is
suspected.
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Fuel economy can be improved by avoiding:
²lack of regular, scheduled maintenance.
²excessive speed.
²rapid acceleration.
²extended idle.
Driving
76

WRECKER TOWING
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance center. It is
recommended that your vehicle be towed with a wheel lift or flatbed
equipment.
When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator what kind of vehicle you
have. A towing manual is available from Ford Motor Company for all
authorized tow truck operators. Have your tow truck driver refer to this
manual for proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
Roadside emergencies
94

Hood
release lever ..............................96
Ignition
positions of the ignition ...........21
Instrument panel
lighting up panel and interior .14
Jump-starting your vehicle ...91,93
attaching cables ........................92
disconnecting cables ................93
Keys
key in ignition chime .................9
Lamps
interior lamps ....................28,124
Lights, warning and indicator
air bag ..........................................8
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..............6
brake ............................................6
charging system ..........................8
engine oil pressure .....................9
safety belt ...................................8
service engine soon .................6,7
turn signal indicator ...................8
Load limits
trailer towing ............................69
Lubricant specifications ...........132
Mirrors
side view mirrors (power) .......30
Odometer .....................................12
Overdrive .....................................27
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................31
Parking brake ..............................64
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....129
Power door locks ........................29
Power steering
fluid, checking and adding ....105
Refill capacities for fluids ........129
Relays .....................................79,84
Remote entry system .................30
illuminated entry .................33,34
locking/unlocking doors ......30,31replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................32
replacing the batteries .............31
Reporting safety defects ..........139
Safety restraints
extension assembly ..................44
for children ...............................49
lap and shoulder belts ...40,41,42
maintenance ..............................45
proper use .................................39
warning light and chime ..9,44,45
Safety seats for children
attaching with tether straps ....54
tether anchorage
hardware .........................54,55,57
Seats
adjusting the seat, manual .......34
adjusting the seat, power ........35
bench seat ............................36,37
lumbar support .........................36
quick release rear captain's
chair ......................................38,39
Servicing your vehicle ................95
precautions when servicing .....95
Snowplowing .................................3
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............3
diesel-powered vehicles .............3
Speed control ..............................22
canceling a set speed ...............25
resuming a set speed ...............25
tap up/tap down ..................23,24
turning off .................................22
Speedometer ...............................10
Starting your vehicle .............59,61
Tilt steering wheel ......................26
Tires ....................................114,115
changing ...............................85,86
checking the pressure ............115
replacing .............................88,117
rotating ....................................115
snow tires and chains ............117
Index
141

treadwear ................................114
Traction-lok rear axle ...............107
Trailer towing ..............................70
tips .............................................76
Transmission .............................106
automatic operation ..65,66,67,68
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................106
Transmission control indictor
light ................................................8
Trip odometer .............................12
Turn signal
lever ...........................................21
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................137Vehicle loading ............................68
Ventilating your vehicle .............62
Warning chimes .............................6
Windows
power windows, operating .......29
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....101
checking and replacing wiper
blades ......................................113
operation ...................................26
Wrecker towing ...........................94
Index
142