steering FORD F-53 2019 User Guide

2.Set your vehicle parking brake.
3.Place the automatic transmission inpark (P).
4.Place wheel chocks in the front andback of the trailer wheels. (Chocks notincluded with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat orPersonal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbefore backing the trailer into the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailerafter removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boatlaunching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level torise above the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higherthan 6 in (15 cm) above the bottomedge of the rear bumper.
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 asteering wheel lock make sure theignition is in the accessory or on positionwhen being towed.
If your vehicle becomes inoperable(without access to wheel dollies,car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transportvehicle), it can be flat-towed (all wheelson the ground, regardless of the powertrainand transmission configuration) under thefollowing conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward fortowing in a forward direction.
•Place the transmission in position N. Ifyou cannot move the transmission intoN, you may need to override it.
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).
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•Check that the exterior lights work.
•Turn the steering wheel to check thatthe steering power assist works.
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Protected ComponentFuse RatingFuse Number
Break on/off relay feed (HydroMaxmodule).10A11
Brake transmission shift interlock.10A12
1 Micro 2 fuse.
F53 Passenger Compartment FusePanel
Locate this fuse panel below and to theleft of the steering wheel near the brakepedal. Remove the panel cover to accessthe fuses.
To remove a fuse, use the fuse panelcover's fuse puller tool.
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UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - COMMERCIAL CHASSIS
Engine coolant reservoir. See Engine Coolant Check (page 96).A
Engine oil filler cap. See Engine Oil Check (page 95).B
Automatic transmission fluid dipstick. See Automatic Transmission FluidCheck (page 101).C
Engine compartment fuse box. See Fuses (page 71).D
Engine oil dipstick. See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 95).E
Air filter assembly. See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 107).F
Power steering fluid reservoir. See Power Steering Fluid Check (page 104).G
Brake fluid reservoir. See Brake Fluid Check (page 102).H
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UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - MOTORHOME CHASSIS
Engine coolant reservoir. See Engine Coolant Check (page 96).A
Engine oil filler cap. See Engine Oil Check (page 95).B
Automatic transmission fluid dipstick. See Automatic Transmission FluidCheck (page 101).C
Engine compartment fuse box. See Fuses (page 71).D
Air filter assembly. See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 107).E
Engine oil dipstick. See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 95).F
Power steering fluid reservoir. See Power Steering Fluid Check (page 104).G
Brake fluid reservoir. See Brake Fluid Check (page 102).H
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Vehicles driven year-round in non-extremeclimates should use prediluted coolant foroptimum cooling system and engineprotection.
Coolant Change
At specific mileage intervals, as listed inthe scheduled maintenance information,the coolant should be changed. Addprediluted coolant approved to the correctspecification. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 134).
Fail-Safe Cooling
Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarilydrive your vehicle before any incrementalcomponent damage occurs. The fail-safedistance depends on ambienttemperature, vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat,the coolant temperature gaugemoves toward the red zone:
A warning lamp illuminates anda message may appear in theinformation display.
If the engine reaches a presetover-temperature condition, the engineautomatically switches to alternatingcylinder operation. Each disabled cylinderacts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs, your vehicle stilloperates, however:
•Engine power is limited.
•The air conditioning system turns off.
Continued operation increases the enginetemperature, causing the engine tocompletely shut down. Your steering andbraking effort increases in this situation.
When the engine temperature cools, youcan re-start the engine. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible to minimizeengine damage.
When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated
WARNING: Fail-safe mode is foruse during emergencies only. Operateyour vehicle in fail-safe mode only aslong as necessary to bring your vehicleto rest in a safe location and seekimmediate repairs. When in fail-safemode, your vehicle will have limitedpower, will not be able to maintainhigh-speed operation, and maycompletely shut down without warning,potentially losing engine power, powersteering assist, and power brake assist,which may increase the possibility of acrash resulting in serious injury.
WARNING: Do not remove thecoolant reservoir cap when the engine ison or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10minutes for the cooling system to cooldown. Cover the coolant reservoir capwith a thick cloth to prevent thepossibility of scalding and slowly removethe cap. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in personal injury.
Your vehicle has limited engine powerwhen in the fail-safe mode, drive yourvehicle with caution. Your vehicle does notmaintain high-speed operation and theengine may operate poorly.
Remember that the engine is capable ofautomatically shutting down to preventengine damage. In this situation:
1.Pull off the road as soon as safelypossible and switch the engine off.
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Add brake fluid from a clean unopenedcontainer until the level reaches MAX. Donot fill above this line. Use only DOT 3brake fluid that is certified to meet Fordspecifications.
Brake system fluid should be replaced ona regular basis to maintain optimumbraking performance, especially underheavy-duty driving conditions such asfrequent steep grades or heavy towingloads. See Scheduled Maintenance(page 145).
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
Note:The power steering cap has both acold and hot indicator on the dipstick.
1.Start the engine and let it run until itreaches normal operating temperature(the engine coolant temperature gaugeindicator will be near the center of thenormal area between H and C).
2.While the engine idles, turn the steeringwheel left and right several times.
3.Turn the engine off.
4.Check the fluid level on the dipstick. Itshould be between the arrows in theFULL range on the side of the dipstickwith the words MAX. HOT at the top.Do not add fluid if the level is withinthis range.
5.If the fluid is low, add fluid in smallamounts, continuously checking thelevel until it reaches the FULL range.Be sure to put the dipstick back in thereservoir.
Steering linkage lubrication points
There are nine lubrication points on thesteering linkage: See Capacities andSpecifications (page 138).
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•1 and 9 -Top of the kingpin.
•2 and 7 - Bottom of kingpin.
•3 and 8 - Right hand and Left hand tierod end.
•4 - Steering gear.
•5 and 6 - Drag link.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetimefuel filter that is integrated with the fueltank. Regular maintenance or replacementis not needed.
CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY
WARNING: Batteries normallyproduce explosive gases which cancause personal injury. Therefore, do notallow flames, sparks or lightedsubstances to come near the battery.When working near the battery, alwaysshield your face and protect your eyes.Always provide proper ventilation.
WARNING: When lifting aplastic-cased battery, excessive pressureon the end walls could cause acid to flowthrough the vent caps, resulting inpersonal injury and damage to thevehicle or battery. Lift the battery with abattery carrier or with your hands onopposite corners.
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USING SNOW CHAINS
WARNING: Snow tires must bethe same size, load index, and speedrating as those originally provided byFord. Use of any tire or wheel notrecommended by Ford can affect thesafety and performance of your vehicle,which could result in an increased risk ofloss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,personal injury, and death. Additionally,the use of non-recommended tires andwheels could cause steering, suspension,axle, transfer case, or power transfer unitfailure. It is also strongly advised tofollow the Ford recommended tireinflation pressure found on the SafetyCompliance Certification Label (affixedto either the door hinge pillar, door-latchpost, or the door edge that meets thedoor-latch post, next to the driver’sseating position), or Tire Label which islocated on the B-Pillar or the edge of thedriver door. Failure to follow the tirepressure recommendations can causeuneven treadwear patterns andadversely affect the way your vehiclehandles.
The tires on your vehicle have all-weathertreads to provide traction in rain and snow.However, in some climates, you may needto use snow tires and cables. If you needto use cables, it is recommended that steelwheels (of the same size andspecifications) be used, as cables may chipaluminum wheels.
Note:The suspension insulation andbumpers help prevent vehicle damage. Donot remove these components from yourvehicle when using snow tires and chains.
Follow these guidelines when using snowtires and chains:
•If possible, avoid fully loading yourvehicle.
•Use only SAE Class S chains.
•Install chains securely, verifying thatthe chains do not touch any wiring,brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the chainsrub or bang against your vehicle, stopand retighten the chains. If this doesnot work, remove the chains to preventdamage to your vehicle.
•Remove the tire chains when they areno longer needed. Do not use tirechains on dry roads.
If you have any questions regarding snowchains or cables, please contact yourauthorized dealer.
CHANGING A ROAD WHEEL
If you get a flat tire while driving, do notapply the brake heavily. Instead, graduallydecrease your speed. Hold the steeringwheel firmly and slowly move to a safeplace on the side of the road.
Dissimilar Spare Wheel and TireAssembly Information
WARNING: Failure to follow theseguidelines could result in an increasedrisk of loss of vehicle control, injury ordeath.
If you have a dissimilar spare wheel andtire, then it is intended for temporary useonly. This means that if you need to use it,you should replace it as soon as possiblewith a road wheel and tire assembly thatis the same size and type as the road tiresand wheels that were originally providedby Ford. If the dissimilar spare tire or wheelis damaged, it should be replaced ratherthan repaired.
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VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER
The vehicle identification number is on theback of the steering member at one of thefollowing locations.
Note:The body builder will include anadditional VIN tag that could be on thedriver side of the dash, the A pillar, or in thearea of the driver door.
Motorhome Chassis
Commercial Chassis
If you ever find it necessary tocommunicate with Ford Motor Companyabout your vehicle, always include the VINin your communication. The VehicleIdentification Number (VIN) contains thefollowing information:
World manufacturer identifierA
Brake system, Gross VehicleWeight Rating, Restraint Devicesand their locations
B
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