trailer FORD E250 2003 User Guide

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.
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 frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. 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.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer 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.
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Using a step bumper (if equipped)
The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and only requires 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 capacity.
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position, a
frame-mounted trailer hitch must be installed.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transmission cooling.
•Anticipate 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
OFF) on moderately steep hills, Second (2) on steep hills, and First (1)
on very steep hills.Do not apply your brakes continuously, as they
may overheat and become less effective.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up 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.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•
The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer weight.
•If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly conditions,
at GCW, or any combination of these factors, consider refilling your rear
axle with synthetic gear lube. Refer to theMaintenance and
specificationschapter for the lubricant specification.
•After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
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•When 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.
•Vehicles 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
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
•do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
•causing internal damage to the components.
•affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (ALL WHEELS ON THE GROUND)
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle on a trip
behind a motorhome. Follow these guidelines if you have the need for
recreational towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. These
guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not damaged.
2WD vehicles (with automatic transmissions):
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral)
•Maximum speed is 56 km (35 mph)
•Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles)
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km (35 mph) must be
exceeded, the drive shaft will have to be removed.
Ford recommends the driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified
technician. See your local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
6 10A Brake shift interlock, Speed control,
DRL module
7 10A Multi-function switch, Turn signals
8 30A Radio capacitor(s), Ignition coil, PCM
diode, PCM power relay, Fuel heater
(Diesel only), Glow plug relay (Diesel
only)
9 30A Wiper control module, Windshield
wiper motor
10 20A Main light switch, Park lamps, License
lamp (external lamps), Multi-function
switch (flash-to-pass)
11 15A Brake pressure switch, Multi-function
switch (hazards), Brake lamp switch,
Brake lamps
12 15A Transmission Range (TR) sensor,
Backup lamps, Auxiliary battery relay
13 15A Blend door actuator, A/C heater,
Function selector switch
14 5A Instrument cluster (air bag and charge
indicator)
15 5A Trailer battery charge relay
16 30A Power seats
17—Not used
18—Not used
19 10A Air bag diagnostic monitor
20 5A Overdrive cancel switch
21 30A Power windows*
22 15A Memory power radio, Rear seat
control unit, Video screen
23 20A Cigar lighter, Data Link Connector
(DLC)
24—Not used
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If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, refer to the
Batterysection of theMaintenance and specificationschapter.
The high-current fuses are coded as follows.
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box Description
1—Not used
2—Not used
3—Not used
4 10A* Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Keep
Alive Memory, Instrument cluster, Voltmeter
5 10A* Right trailer turn signal
6 10A* Left trailer turn signal
7 20A* Clearance lamps
8 60A**
I/P fuses 4, 5, 10, 11, 16, 22, 23, 28, 32, 38
9 30A**PCM power relay, Engine compartment fuse 4
10 60A** Auxiliary battery relay, Engine compartment
fuses 14, 22
11 30A** IDM relay (Diesel only)
12 60A** Engine compartment fuses 25, 27
13 50A** Blower motor relay (blower motor)
AB3
2
146 5715 14 13 12 11 10 9 823 22 21 20 19 18 17 1624 26 25 27
29
CDG F EK J H
28
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box Description
14 30A** Trailer running lamps relay, Trailer backup
lamps relay
15 40A** Main light switch, Daytime Running Lights
(DRL)
16 50A** Auxiliary blower motor relay
17 30A** Fuel pump relay
18 60A** I/P fuses 33, 37, 39, 40, 41
19 60A** 4WABS module
20 20A** Electric brake controller
21 50A** Modified vehicle power
22 40A**
Trailer battery charge relay, Modified vehicles
23 60A** Ignition switch, Fuse panel
24 20A* Natural gas tank valves (NGV only)
25 20A* NGV module (NGV only)
26 10A* A/C clutch (4.2L only)
27 15A* DRL module, Horn relay
28—PCM diode
29—Not used
A—Marker lamps relay
B—Stop lamp relay
C—Trailer backup lamps relay
D—Trailer running lamps relay
E—Trailer battery charge relay
F—IDM relay (Diesel only), A/C clutch relay
(4.2L only)
G—PCM relay
H—Blower motor relay
J—Horn relay
K—Fuel pump relay
* Mini fuses ** Maxi fuses
Relays
Relays are located in the power distribution box and should be replaced
by qualified technicians.
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Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle scheduled maintenance guide.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12–16 km (8–10 miles) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
NOTE:Vehicles over 8500 GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) will not have
fuel economy information printed on the EPA window sticker.
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5. Recheck the fluid level on the dipstick. Do not add fluid if the level is
between the arrows in the FULL COLD range.
6. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the FULL COLD range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the“MAX”line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised, seek
service from your dealer immediately.
DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
Your vehicle may be equipped with universal joints that require
lubrication. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for maintenance
intervals. If the original universal joints are replaced with universal joints
equipped with grease fittings, lubrication will also be necessary.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
MAX
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Travel equipment
Auto head lamps with DRL
Bicycle rack
Cell phone holder
Console (Engine cover)
Daytime running lights (DRL)
First aid and highway kits
Fog lights
Hitch mount bicycle carrier
Inside mirror, electrochromic with compass (with and without
temperature display)
Removable roof rack
Running boards—Aluminum and Platinum elliptical
Speed control
Tailgate table
TracRac
Trailer hitch (Class III)
Trailer hitch bars and balls
Trailer hitch wiring adaptor
Protection and appearance equipment
Air bag anti-theft locks
Battery warmer
Carpet floor mats
Cleaners, waxes and polishes
Door edge guards
Flat splash guards
Front end covers (full)
Hood deflector
Rear step bumpers
Side window air deflectors
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Accessories
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J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......152
K
Keys
positions of the ignition .........113
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................57
cargo lamps ...............................55
daytime running light ...............54
headlamps .................................54
headlamps, flash to pass ..........55
instrument panel, dimming .....55
interior lamps ...........................56
replacing bulbs ...................57–61
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................55
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........117
Load limits .................................124
GAWR ......................................124
GVWR ......................................124
trailer towing ..........................124
Loading instructions .................126
Lubricant specifications ...215, 218
Lumbar support, seats ...............78
M
Mirrors
fold away ...................................69
side view mirrors (power) .......68
Motorcraft parts ................194, 210O
Octane rating ............................193
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................176
P
Parking brake ............................117
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....210
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................141
Power door locks ........................73
Power point .................................67
Power steering ..........................118
fluid, checking and adding ....200
fluid, refill capacity ................211
fluid, specifications .........215, 218
Power Windows ...........................68
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................118
R
Radio ..........................16, 18, 21, 25
Relays ................................138, 143
Remote entry system
illuminated entry ......................76
locking/unlocking doors ...........73
Roadside assistance ..................135
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............92
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ........................83–85, 87
Safety defects, reporting ..........166
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Index
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