warning FORD E SERIES 2018 Repair Manual

TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR orthe GAWR specified on thecertification label.
Towing trailers beyond themaximum recommendedgross trailer weight exceeds thelimit of your vehicle and couldresult in engine damage,transmission damage, structuraldamage, loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover and personalinjury.
Your vehicle may have electricalitems, for example fuses or relays,related to towing. See Fuses(page 129).
Your vehicle's load capacitydesignation is by weight, not byvolume, so you cannot necessarilyuse all available space whenloading your vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an extraload on your vehicle's engine,transmission, axle, brakes, tiresand suspension. Inspect thesecomponents periodically during,and after, any towing operation.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailermovement affects your vehiclewhen driving:
•Load the heaviest items closestto the trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest itemscentered between the left andright side trailer tires.
•Load the heaviest items abovethe trailer axles or just slightlyforward toward the trailertongue. Do not allow the finaltrailer tongue weight to goabove or below 10-15% of theloaded trailer weight.
•Select a draw bar with thecorrect rise or drop. When boththe loaded vehicle and trailerare connected, the trailer frameshould be level, or slightlyangled down toward yourvehicle, when viewed from theside.
When driving with a trailer orpayload, a slight takeoff vibrationor shudder may be present due tothe increased payload weight.Additional information regardingcorrect trailer loading and settingyour vehicle up for towing islocated in another chapter of thisOwner's Manual. See Load Limit(page 97). You can also find theinformation in the RV & TrailerTowing Guide. See an authorizeddealer.
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TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (If
Equipped)
WARNING
Switching off trailer sway controlincreases the risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, serious injury or death. Wedo not recommend disabling this featureexcept in situations where speed reductionmay be detrimental, for exampleascending a grade, and the driver hassignificant trailer towing experience andcan control trailer sway to maintain safeoperation.
This feature applies your vehicle's brakesat individual wheels and, if necessary,reduces engine power. If the trailer beginsto sway, the stability control light flashesand a message appears in the informationdisplay.
ActionMessage
Slow your vehicle down,then pull safely to the sideof the road and check forcorrect tongue load andtrailer load distribution. SeeLoad Carrying (page 97).
TrailerswayReducespeed
Note:This feature does not prevent trailersway, but reduces it once it begins.
Note:This feature cannot stop all trailersfrom swaying.
Note:In some cases, if vehicle speed is toohigh, the system may turn on multiple timesto gradually reduce vehicle speed.
RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Note:Make sure to take intoconsideration trailer frontal area.Vehicles equipped with the TrailerTow Package or the Heavy DutyPayload Package should notexceed 60 ft² (5.6 m²) trailerfrontal area.
Note:Exceeding this limitationmay significantly reduce theperformance of your towingvehicle. Selecting a trailer with alow aerodynamic drag and roundedfront design helps optimizeperformance and fuel economy.
Note:For high altitude operation,reduce the gross combined weightby 2% per 1,000 ft (300 m)starting at the 1,000 ft (300 m)elevation point.
Note:Certain states requireelectric trailer brakes for trailersover a specified weight. Be sure tocheck state regulations for thisspecified weight. The maximumtrailer weights listed may be limitedto this specified weight, as yourvehicle's electrical system may notinclude the wiring connectorneeded to use electric trailerbrakes.
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Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps ontothe bumper or attaches to the axle. Youmust distribute the load in your trailer sothat 10-15% of the total weight of thetrailer is on the tongue.
Weight-distributing Hitches
WARNING
Do not adjust a weight-distributinghitch to any position where the rearbumper of the vehicle is higher thanit was before attaching the trailer. Doingso will defeat the function of theweight-distributing hitch, which may causeunpredictable handling, and could resultin serious personal injury.
When hooking-up a trailer using aweight-distributing hitch, always use thefollowing procedure:
1. Park the loaded vehicle, without thetrailer, on a level surface.
2. Measure the height to the top of yourvehicle's front wheel opening on thefender. This is H1.
3.Attach the loaded trailer to your vehiclewithout the weight-distributing barsconnected.
4. Measure the height to the top of yourvehicle's front wheel opening on thefender a second time. This is H2.
5. Install and adjust the tension in theweight-distributing bars so that theheight of your vehicle's front wheelopening on the fender is approximatelyhalf the way down from H2, toward H1.
6.Check that the trailer is level or slightlynose down toward your vehicle. If not,adjust the ball height accordingly andrepeat Steps 2-6.
When the trailer is level or slightly nosedown toward the vehicle:
•Lock the bar tension adjuster in place.
•Check that the trailer tongue securelyattaches and locks onto the hitch.
•Install safety chains, lighting, and trailerbrake controls as required by law or thetrailer manufacturer.
Safety Chains
Note:Do not attach safety chains to thebumper.
Always connect the safety chains to theframe or hook retainers of your vehiclehitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross thechains under the trailer tongue and allowenough slack for turning tight corners. Donot allow the chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulicbrake system directly to yourvehicle's brake system. Your vehiclemay not have enough braking power andyour chances of having a collision greatlyincrease.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if youinstall them properly and adjust them tothe manufacturer's specifications. Thetrailer brakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
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Separate functioning brake systemsare required for safe control of towedvehicles and trailers weighing morethan 1500 pounds (680 kilograms)when loaded.
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (IfEquipped)
WARNING
The Ford trailer brake controller hasbeen verified to be compatible withtrailers having electric-actuateddrum brakes (one to four axles) andelectric-over-hydraulic brakes. It will notactivate hydraulic surge-style trailerbrakes. It is the responsibility of thecustomer to ensure that the trailer brakesare adjusted appropriately, functioningnormally and all electric connections areproperly made. Failure to do so may resultin loss of vehicle control, crash or seriousinjury.
When used properly, the trailer brakecontroller assists in smooth and effectivetrailer braking by powering the trailer’selectric or electric-over-hydraulic brakeswith a proportional output based on thetowing vehicle’s brake pressure.
The controller user interface consists ofthe following:
A: + and - (Gain adjustment buttons):Pressing these buttons adjusts thecontroller's power output to the trailerbrakes in 0.5 increments. You can increasethe gain setting to 10.0 (maximum trailerbraking) or decrease it to 0 (no trailerbraking). The gain setting displays in themessage center.
The controller shows gain setting, outputbar graph, and trailer connectivity statusin the information display. They appear inthe information display as follows:
•Trailer Brake Controller Gain (withouttrailer connected): Shows the currentgain setting during a given ignition cycleand when adjusting the gain. This alsodisplays if you use the manual controllever or make gain adjustments withno trailer connected.
•Trailer Brake Controller Gain Output:Displays when you push your vehicle'sbrake pedal, or upon use of the manualcontrol. Bar indicators illuminate in theinformation display to indicate theamount of power going to the trailerbrakes relative to the brake pedal ormanual control input. One bar indicatesthe least amount of output; six barsindicate maximum output.
•Trailer Connected: Displays when thesystem senses a correct trailer wiringconnection (a trailer with electric trailerbrakes) during a given ignition cycle.
•Trailer Disconnected: Displays,accompanied by a single audible time,when the system senses a trailerconnection and then a disconnection,either intentional or unintentional,during a given ignition cycle. It alsodisplays if a truck or trailer-wiring faultoccurs causing the trailer to appeardisconnected. This message can alsodisplay if you use the manual controllever without a trailer connected.
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B: Manual control lever: Slide the controllever to the left to switch on the trailer'selectric brakes independent of the towvehicle's. See the following Procedure forAdjusting Gain section for instructionson proper use of this feature. If you use themanual control while the brake is alsoapplied, the greater of the two inputsdetermines the power sent to the trailerbrakes.
•Stop lamps: Using the manual controllever illuminates both the trailer brakelamps and your vehicle brake lampsexcept the center high-mount stoplamp, if you make the proper electricalconnection to the trailer. Pressing yourvehicle brake pedal also illuminatesboth trailer and vehicle brake lamps.
Procedure for Adjusting Gain
Note:Only perform this procedure in atraffic-free environment at speeds ofapproximately 20-25 mph (30-40 km/h).
The gain setting sets the trailer brakecontroller for the specific towing condition.You should change the setting as towingconditions change. Changes to towingconditions include trailer load, vehicle load,road conditions and weather.
The gain should be set to provide themaximum trailer braking assistance whilemaking sure the trailer wheels do not lockwhen using the brakes. Locked trailerwheels may lead to trailer instability.
1.Make sure the trailer brakes are in goodworking condition, functioning normallyand properly adjusted. See your trailerdealer if necessary.
2. Hook up the trailer and make theelectrical connections according to thetrailer manufacturer's instructions.
3. When you plug in a trailer with electricor electric-over-hydraulic brakes, amessage confirming connectionappears in the information display.
4. Use the gain adjustment (+ and -)buttons to increase or decrease thegain setting to the desired startingpoint. A gain setting of 6.0 is a goodstarting point for heavier loads.
5. In a traffic-free environment, tow thetrailer on a dry, level surface at a speedof 20-25 mph (30-40 km/h) andsqueeze the manual control levercompletely.
6. If the trailer wheels lock up, indicatedby squealing tires, reduce the gainsetting. If the trailer wheels turn freely,increase the gain setting. Repeat Steps5 and 6 until the gain setting is at apoint just below trailer wheel lock-up.If towing a heavier trailer, trailer wheellock-up may not be attainable evenwith the maximum gain setting of 10.
Explanation of Information DisplayWarning Messages
Note:An authorized dealer can diagnosethe trailer brake controller to determineexactly which trailer fault has occurred.However, your Ford warranty does not coverthis diagnosis if the fault is with the trailer.
A message indicating a trailer brakemodule fault may display in response tofaults sensed by the trailer brake controller,accompanied by a single tone. If thismessage appears, contact an authorizeddealer as soon as possible for diagnosisand repair. The controller may stillfunction, but performance may bedegraded.
A message indicating a trailer wiring faultmay display when there is a short circuiton the electric brake output wire. If thismessage displays, accompanied by asingle tone, with no trailer connected, theproblem is with your vehicle wiringbetween the trailer brake controller andthe 7-pin connector at the bumper. If themessage only displays with a trailerconnected, the problem is with the trailer
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wiring. Consult your trailer dealer forassistance. This can be a short to ground(such as a chaffed wire), short to voltage(such as a pulled pin on trailer emergencybreakaway battery) or the trailer brakesmay be drawing too much current.
Points to Remember
Note:Do not attempt removal of the trailerbrake controller without consulting theWorkshop Manual. Damage to the unit mayresult.
•Adjust gain setting before using thetrailer brake controller for the first time.
•Adjust gain setting, using the procedureabove, whenever road, weather andtrailer or vehicle loading conditionschange from when the gain was initiallyset.
•Only use the manual control lever forproper adjustment of the gain duringtrailer setup. Misuse, such asapplication during trailer sway, couldcause instability of trailer or towvehicle.
•Avoid towing in adverse weatherconditions. The trailer brake controllerdoes not provide anti-lock control ofthe trailer wheels. Trailer wheels canlock up on slippery surfaces, resultingin reduced stability of trailer and towvehicle.
•The trailer brake controller is equippedwith a feature that reduces output atvehicle speeds below 11 mph (18 km/h)so trailer and vehicle braking is not jerkyor harsh. This feature is only availablewhen applying the brakes using yourvehicle's brake pedal, not thecontroller.
•The controller interacts with the brakecontrol system and powertrain controlsystem of your vehicle to provide thebest performance on different roadconditions.
•Your vehicle's brake system and thetrailer brake system workindependently of each other. Changingthe gain setting on the controller doesnot affect the operation of yourvehicle's brakes whether you attach atrailer or not.
•When you switch the engine off, thecontroller output is disabled and thedisplay and module shut down. Thecontroller module and display turn onwhen you switch the ignition on.
•The trailer brake controller is only afactory-installed or dealer-installeditem. Ford is not responsible forwarranty or performance of thecontroller due to misuse or customerinstallation.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING
Never connect any trailer lamp wiringto the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; thismay damage the electrical systemresulting in fire. Contact your authorizeddealer as soon as possible for assistancein proper trailer tow wiring installation.Additional electrical equipment may berequired.
Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, direction indicators and hazard lightsare working.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
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Exceeding these limits may allow water toenter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to thecomponents.
•Affecting driveability, emissions andreliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytimethe rear axle has been submerged in water.Water may have contaminated the rearaxle lubricant, which is not normallychecked or changed unless a leak issuspected or other axle repair is required.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
WARNING
If your vehicle has a steering wheellock make sure the ignition is in theaccessory or on position when beingtowed.
You can flat-tow (all wheels on theground, regardless of the powertrain ortransmission configuration) your disabledvehicle (without access to wheel dolliesor vehicle transport trailer) under thefollowing conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward so youtow it in a forward direction.
•You shift into Neutral (N). If you cannotshift into Neutral (N), you may need tooverride the transmission. SeeTransmission (page 86).
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).
Recreational Towing
Note: Put your climate control system inrecirculated air mode to prevent exhaustfumes from entering the vehicle. SeeClimate Control (page 64).
Follow these guidelines if you have a needfor recreational (RV) towing. An exampleof recreational towing would be towingyour vehicle behind a motorhome. Theseguidelines are to make sure you do notdamage the transmission during towing.
Do not tow your vehicle with any wheelson the ground, as vehicle or transmissiondamage may occur. It is recommended totow your vehicle with all four wheels offthe ground, for example when using avehicle transport trailer. Otherwise, youcannot tow your vehicle.
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BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires forapproximately 300 mi (480 km). Duringthis time, your vehicle may exhibit someunusual driving characteristics.
Avoid driving too fast during the first1,000 mi (1,600 km). Vary your speedfrequently and change up through thegears early. Do not labor the engine.
Do not tow during the first 1,000 mi(1,600 km).
REDUCED ENGINE
PERFORMANCE
WARNING
If you continue to drive your vehiclewhen the engine is overheating, theengine could stop without warning.Failure to follow this instruction couldresult in the loss of control of your vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature gaugeneedle moves to the upper limit position,the engine is overheating. See Gauges(page 51).
You must only drive your vehicle for a shortdistance if the engine overheats. Thedistance you can travel depends onambient temperature, vehicle load andterrain. The engine continues to operatewith limited power for a short period oftime.
If the engine temperature continues to rise,the fuel supply to the engine reduces. Theair conditioning switches off and the enginecooling fan operates continually.
1. Gradually reduce your speed and stopyour vehicle as soon as it is safe to doso.
2. Immediately switch the engine off toprevent severe engine damage.
3. Wait for the engine to cool down.
4. Check the coolant level. See EngineCoolant Check (page 142).
5. Have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Fuel economy is affected by several thingssuch as how you drive, the conditions youdrive under and how you maintain yourvehicle.
There are some things to keep in mind thatmay improve your fuel economy:
•Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,moderate fashion.
•Drive at steady speeds.
•Anticipate stops; slowing down mayeliminate the need to stop.
•Combine errands and minimizestop-and-go driving (When runningerrands, go to the furthest destinationfirst and then work your way backhome).
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
•Drive at reasonable speeds.
•Keep the tires properly inflated and useonly the recommended size.
•Use the recommended engine oil.
•Perform all regularly scheduledmaintenance.
There are also some things you may wantto avoid doing because they reduce yourfuel economy:
•Avoid sudden or hard accelerations.
•Avoid revving the engine before turningoff the car.
•Avoid long idle periods.
•Do not warm up your vehicle on coldmornings.
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Driving Hints

•Reduce the use of air conditioning andheat.
•Avoid using speed control in hillyterrain.
•Do not rest your foot on the brakepedal while driving.
•Avoid carrying unnecessary weight.
•Avoid adding particular accessories toyour vehicle (e.g. bug deflectors,rollbars/light bars, running boards, skiracks).
•Avoid driving with the wheels out ofalignment.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
WARNING
Do not drive through flowing or deepwater as you may lose control of yourvehicle.
Note:Driving through standing water cancause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,check the depth. Never drive through waterthat is higher than the bottom of the wheelhubs.
When driving through standing water, drivevery slowly and do not stop your vehicle.Your brake performance and traction maybe limited. After driving through water andas soon as it is safe to do so:
•Lightly press the brake pedal to dry thebrakes and to check that they work.
•Check that the horn works.
•Check that the exterior lights work.
•Turn the steering wheel to check thatthe steering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS
WARNINGS
Use a floor mat designed to fit thefootwell of your vehicle that does notobstruct the pedal area. Failure tofollow this instruction could result in theloss of control of your vehicle, personalinjury or death.
Pedals that cannot move freely cancause loss of vehicle control andincrease the risk of serious personalinjury.
Secure the floor mat to bothretention devices so that it cannotslip out of position and interfere withthe pedals. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
Do not place additional floor matsor any other covering on top of theoriginal floor mats. This could resultin the floor mat interfering with theoperation of the pedals. Failure to followthis instruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
Always make sure that objectscannot fall into the driver foot wellwhile your vehicle is moving. Objectsthat are loose can become trapped underthe pedals causing a loss of vehicle control.
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Vehicles Sold in Canada: GettingRoadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have avehicle concern, Ford Motor Company ofCanada, Limited offers a complimentaryroadside assistance program. Thisprogram is eligible within Canada or thecontinental United States.
This program is separate from the NewVehicle Limited Warranty, but the coverageis concurrent with the powertrain coverageperiod of your vehicle.
Canadian customers who require roadsideassistance, call 1-800-665-2006.
Vehicles Sold in Canada: UsingRoadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistanceidentification card and place it in yourwallet for quick reference.
In Canada, this card is found in theWarranty Guide in the glove compartmentof your vehicle.
Vehicles Sold in Canada: RoadsideAssistance Program Coverage
The service is available 24 hours a day,seven days a week.
Canadian roadside coverage and benefitsmay differ from the U.S. coverage.
If you require more information, pleaserefer to the coverage section of yourwarranty guide, call us in Canada at1-800-665-2006, or visit our website atwww.ford.ca.
HAZARD FLASHERS
Note:If used when the vehicle is notrunning, the battery loses charge. As a result,there may be insufficient power to restartyour vehicle.
The hazard flasher control is on thesteering column. Use it when your vehicleis creating a safety hazard for othermotorists.
•Press the flasher control and all frontand rear direction indicators flash.
•Press the flasher control again toswitch them off.
FUEL SHUTOFF
WARNING
If your vehicle has been involved in acrash, have the fuel system checked.Failure to follow this instructioncould result in fire, personal injury or death.
Note: When you try to restart your vehicleafter a fuel shutoff, the vehicle makes surethat various systems are safe to restart.Once the vehicle determines the systemsare safe, then the vehicle allows you torestart.
Note: In the event that your vehicle doesnot restart after your third attempt, contacta qualified technician.
The fuel pump shutoff stops the flow offuel to the engine in the event of amoderate to severe crash. Not everyimpact causes a shutoff.
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