steering FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS 1996 10.G User Guide

54
*
[DR15985( ALL)05/90]
NOTE: After any severe impact such as
striking large potholes, sliding into
curbs on icy roads, or a collision
involving the front end, observe the
steering wheel alignment. If the spokes
of the steering wheel seem to be in a
different position while going straight
down the road, have the front
suspension and steering checked for
possible damage.
*
[DR21400( ALL)03/95]
Brakes
[DR21410( M)06/90]
Your vehicle is equipped with the following
features:
[DR21420( M)06/90]
q
Front self-adjusting disc brakes.
[DR21430( M)06/90]
q
Rear self-adjusting disc brakes.
[DR21440( M)06/90]
q
Independent front and rear hydraulic brake
circuits with a common fluid reservoir and
fluid level sensor in the master cylinder.
[DR21450( M)06/90]
q
Hydro boost.
[DR21460( M)06/90]
q
Parking brake.
*
[DR21500( ALL)01/93]
Front Disc Brakes
*
[DR21600( ALL)03/94]
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do
not require service other than periodic
lubrication of caliper slide rails and inspection
for pad wear.
*
[DR22035( M)07/93]
Rear Disc Brakes
*
[DR22050( EFM)04/95]
The rear disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do
not require service other than periodic
lubrication of the caliper slide rails and
inspection for pad wear.
File:ltdrm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:46:11 1995

55
*
[DR22100( ALL)11/89]
Hydraulic Power Brakes
[DR22250( M)06/90]
The hydraulic brake system is made up of two
independent hydraulic circuits. One hydraulic
circuit supplies fluid to the front disc brakes and
the other hydraulic circuit supplies fluid to the
rear disc brakes. These two circuits are supplied
by a common hydraulic brake fluid reservoir,
with a fluid level sensor.
*
[DR22300( ALL)11/89]
The brake light in the instrument cluster will
light for low brake fluid in the common brake
fluid reservoir.
*
[DR22400( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
An increase in pedal travel will result in
reduced braking capability. The brake
system should be checked immediately.
[DR22430( E M)04/95]
Hydraulic Brake Booster System
(Hydro Boost)
[DR22460( E M)04/95]
The Hydro Boost system receives its source of
power from the power steering system pump.
%*
[DR23000(BE M)12/89]
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is
ªLowº
*
[DR23250( ALL)11/89]
If during normal operation the brake pedal
seems ªlowº, it may indicate the need for a
brake system inspection and/or service. You
should have your brakes checked as soon as
possible.
*
[DR23300( ALL)02/95]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake
system and is normal. However, if the squeal
becomes annoyingly loud or increases
significantly in frequency of occurrence, return
the vehicle to your dealer for inspection.
File:ltdrm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:46:11 1995

59
%*
[DR25200( ALL)01/95]
Driving Under Special Conditions
*
[DR25250( ALL)01/95]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[DR25301( ALL)05/95]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your previous vehicle.
Use care until you become accustomed to its
various features and driving characteristics.
*
[DR25350( ALL)03/95]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits.
Sudden acceleration, deceleration, turning, or
combinations of these maneuvers can cause a
vehicle to behave differently than anticipated.
*
[DR25501( ALL)02/95]
Wheel Spin
*
[DR25550( ALL)11/92]
q
Extreme acceleration can cause the rear
wheels to spin, perhaps resulting in reduced
steering control.
*
[DR25601( ALL)05/90]
If the wheels spin during vehicle start-up, shift
to a different gear:
*
[DR25800( ALL)03/93]
q
Electronic 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
E4OD: use 2 (Second)
*
[DR26301( ALL)01/89]
Move forward slowly and evenly. If this does
not work, try rocking the vehicle.
%*
[DR26550( ALL)05/90]
High Speed Driving
*
[DR26575( ALL)06/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying
posted speed limits.
*
[DR26601( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Driving at very high speeds for extended
periods of time may result in damage to
vehicle components.
File:ltdrm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:46:11 1995

60 %
*
[DR26701( ALL)01/95]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[DR26750( ALL)01/95]
Slippery roads
*
[DR26801( ALL)03/95]
Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads:
*
[DR26850( ALL)03/95]
q
Do not quickly move the steering wheel
unless necessary.
*
[DR26901( ALL)01/95]
q
Drive slower than you normally would.
*
[DR26951( ALL)01/95]
q
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
[DR27001( M)10/94]
q
Pump the brake pedal steadily and evenly to
avoid locking your front wheels
*
[DR27025( ALL)05/95]
q
To stop on ice, shift to N (Neutral) below 10
mph (16 km/h) and gently pump brakes.
*
[DR27050( ALL)02/93]
q
Consider using one of the lower gears.
*
[DR27201( E M)01/93]
RWARNING
To avoid skidding and losing control on
slippery roads, do not downshift into First
(1) when you are moving faster than
20 mph (32 km/h).
%*
[DR27651( ALL)01/95]
High water
*
[DR27675( ALL)06/92]
Never attempt to cross water that is fast flowing
or of unknown depth.
*
[DR27701( ALL)05/90]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you
are sure that the water is below the bottom of
the wheel hubs.
*
[DR27750( ALL)04/94]
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. You may have limited traction or wet
brakes, so allow extra stopping distance because
your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
File:ltdrm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:46:11 1995

76 [DR38725( M)07/92]For normal driving conditions, operate in
Overdrive. Refer to the E4OD 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).
*
[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.
File:ltdrm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:46:11 1995

83
*
[RE03200( ALL)03/95]
3. Remove the positive (+) cable from the
booster battery.
*
[RE03400( ALL)05/95]
4. Remove the other end of the positive (+)
cable from the discharged battery.
*
[RE03500( ALL)04/95]
After the vehicle is started, let it idle for a while
to let the engine ªrelearnº its idle conditions.
Drive it around for a while with all electrical
accessories turned off to let the battery recharge.
You may need to use a battery charger to fully
recharge the battery.
*
[RE03550( ALL)03/95]
If you need to replace your battery, seeBattery
in theServicing Your Vehiclechapter.
*
[RE03600( ALL)03/95]
Changing a Tire
*
[RE03700( ALL)01/95]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do
not apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually
decrease the speed. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off
the ignition, set the parking brake, and turn on
the hazard flashers.
%*
[RE03800( ALL)03/95]
The Conventional Spare Tire
[RE03925( M)12/91]
With the conventional spare tire, you can use it
as a spare or as a regular tire. This spare tire is
identical to the other tires that come with your
vehicle.
File:ltrem.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:45:33 1995

135 [SV28725( M)05/95]
RWARNING
Aftermarket wheel assemblies may not be
compatible with your vehicle and should
not be used. Use of incompatible wheel
assemblies may result in equipment
failure and possible injury.
[SV28730( M)05/95]
A wheel or tire of the wrong size or type may
adversely affect such things as load carrying
capacity, wheel and bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer/odometer calibration, stopping
ability, headlight aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or tire chain clearance
to the body and chassis. Replacement with used
wheels is not advised: they may have been
treated harshly or have high mileage, and they
could fail without warning.
[SV28732( M)05/95]
The use of wheels with load carrying limits
higher than the limits of the wheels originally
installed on your vehicle does not in itself
increase the GAWR or GVWR of the vehicle.
[SV28735( M)05/95]
RWARNING
Only wheel assemblies approved and
released by Ford Motor Company for your
vehicle model should be used.
[SV28745( M)05/95]
RWARNING
Alterations to the vehicle suspension or
steering by raising the chassis (i.e., use of
aftermarket ªlift kitsº) may adversely
affect vehicle handling and braking
performance.
File:ltsvm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:44:35 1995

143 [SV37525( M)07/92]
Parking Brake Reservoir
[SV37550( M)03/93]
To inspect the parking brake fluid, refer to the
1996 Ford Service Manualor a qualified service
technician.
%
*
[SV37600( ALL)03/95]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[SV37700( ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
*
[SV37800( ALL)03/95]
To check the level of your power steering fluid:
*
[SV37900( ALL)02/95]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[SV38000( ALL)01/95]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
[SV38150( M)05/94]
3. Then turn the engine off and do not press
the brake pedal.
%*
[SV38200( ALL)03/94]
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which
is highlighted in yellow in your vehicle). The
fluid level should be between the arrows in
the FULL HOT range, which is marked on
the side of the dipstick, opposite the side
marked FULL COLD. Do not add fluid if the
level is within the FULL HOT range.
File:ltsvm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:44:35 1995

144
*
[SV38250( ALL)03/94]
one third page art:0021016-B
Power steering dipstick
[SV38650( M)03/93]
one third page art:0020729-B
Power steering reservoir
*
[SV38800( ALL)07/94]
5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid
in small amounts, continuously checking the
level, until you reach the FULL HOT range.
Do not overfill.
% [SV39100( M)05/91]
q
Use only Motorcraft MERCONHAutomatic
Transmission Fluid or an equivalent
MERCONHapproved fluid.
*
[SV39200( ALL)01/95]
If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive
your vehicle for a long period of time before
adding fluid. This can damage the power
steering pump.
*
[SV39300( ALL)03/95]
6. When you are finished, put the dipstick back
in and make sure that it fits snugly.
File:ltsvm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:44:35 1995

145
*
[SV39400( ALL)02/95]
If you check the power steering fluid when it is
cold, make sure that the fluid reaches the FULL
COLD range on the dipstick. The reading will
only be accurate if the fluid temperature is
approximately 50 to85ÊF (10 to 30ÊC).
*
[SV39405( ALL)06/93]
NOTE: Do not turn the steering wheel of your
vehicle with the engine off. It could
force power steering fluid out from the
reservoir cap or in extreme cases, it
could unseat the cap.
[SV39410( M)06/90]
Suspension and Steering
[SV39420( M)06/90]
Modifications
[SV39430( M)06/90]
The suspension and steering systems on your
vehicle have been designed and tested to
provide both safe, predictable performance
whether loaded or empty as well as durable
load carrying capability. Any modifications to
the suspension or steering systems can reduce
your vehicle's performance capability and
adversely affect driver and passenger safety.
Ford recommends that you do not make
modifications such as adding or removing parts
(like lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by using
replacement parts not equivalent to the original
factory equipment.
[SV39440( M)08/90]
RWARNING
The low pressure gas shock absorbers are
charged with nitrogen gas to 90 psi (620
kPa). Do not attempt to heat, puncture or
open.
File:ltsvm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:44:35 1995