brakes FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS 1996 10.G Owners Manual

7 %
*
[IN05545( ALL)05/95]
Federal Highway Administration
Regulation
*
[IN05560( ALL)05/95]
Regulations such as those issued by the Federal
Highway Administration or issued pursuant to
the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA),
and/or state and local laws and regulations may
require additional equipment for the way you
intend to use the vehicle. It is the responsibility
of the registered owner to determine the
applicability of such laws and regulations to
your intended use for the vehicle, and to
arrange for the installation of required
equipment. Your Ford dealer has information
about the availability of many items of
equipment which may be ordered for your
vehicle.
*
[IN06000( ALL)01/95]
Breaking Your Vehicle In
*
[IN06100( ALL)03/95]
Your new vehicle goes through an adjustment or
break-in period during the first 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) that you drive it. During the break-in
period, you need to pay careful attention to how
you drive your vehicle.
%*
[IN06300( ALL)01/95]
q
Avoid sudden stops.Because your vehicle
has new brake linings, you should take these
steps:
*
[IN06400( ALL)01/95]
Ð Watch traffic carefully so that you can
anticipate when to stop.
*
[IN06500( ALL)01/95]
Ð Begin braking well in advance.
*
[IN06600( ALL)01/95]
Ð Apply the brakes gradually.
*
[IN06700( ALL)01/95]
The break-in period for new brake linings
lasts for 100 miles (160 km) of city driving or
1,000 miles (1,600 km) of highway driving.
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Update:Tue Jun 20 16:47:32 1995

23
%*
[LG03000( ALL)06/94]
The Mechanical Cluster
*
[LG03100( ALL)06/93]
The following warning lights and gauges are on
the mechanical cluster. All of the warning lights
and gauges alert you to possible problems with
your vehicle. Some of the lights listed are
optional. The following sections detail what each
of these indicators means.
*
[LG03200( ALL)03/95]
Brake System Warning Light
*
[LG03300(B M)03/95]
The warning light for the brakes can show two
things Ð that the parking brake is not fully
released, or that the brake fluid level is low in
the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by
your dealer or a qualified service technician.
*
[LG03400( ALL)05/94]
This light comes on when you turn the ignition
key to START to verify that the indicator bulb is
working. If the light stays on or comes on after
you have released the parking brake fully, have
the hydraulic brake system serviced.
*
[LG03500( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes
may not be working properly. Have the
brakes checked immediately.
*
[LG03600( ALL)05/95]
one inch art:0020044-A
Brake warning light symbols
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Update:Tue Jun 20 16:47:10 1995

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

56 %
*
[DR24000( ALL)01/93]
Stopping Distances
*
[DR24100( ALL)11/89]
Stopping distances vary with different loads and
driving conditions. Use caution when
encountering new conditions and acquaint
yourself with vehicle performance. Take full
advantage of engine braking power when
slowing down.
%*
[DR24200( ALL)01/95]
Applying the Brakes
*
[DR24300( ALL)05/95]
Apply the brake pedal gradually. Use the
ªsqueezeº technique Ð push on the brake pedal
with a steadily increasing force. This allows the
wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly.
*
[DR24400( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not drive with your foot resting on the
brake pedal. This will increase your
vehicle's stopping distance and may also
cause brake damage.
*
[DR24500( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you are driving down a long or steep
hill, shift to a lower gear. Do not apply
your brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
[DR24550( M)06/90]
When front or rear brake linings are replaced, it
is essential that authorized Ford service
replacement or equivalent linings be installed.
This will assure that the vehicle stopping
distances are not adversely affected and will
maintain the proper balance between front and
rear wheel braking.
File:ltdrm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:46:11 1995

58
*
[DR25050( ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
*
[DR25100( ALL)01/95]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a
moving vehicle, but you can use the parking
brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if
the normal brakes fail. However, since the
parking brake applies only the transmission
mounted parking brake assembly, the stopping
distance will increase greatly and the handling
of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
[DR25130( M)06/90]
Checking Parking Brake and Transmission
Park Mechanism
[DR25160( M)06/90]
Periodically check the holding ability of the
parking brake by stopping on a steep hill and
restraining the vehicle by using only the parking
brake with the transmission in N (Neutral).
Check the holding ability of the P (Park)
mechanism (automatic transmissions) by
releasing all brakes after moving the
transmission selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
File:ltdrm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:46:11 1995

60 %
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[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.
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Update:Tue Jun 20 16:46:11 1995

61
*
[DR27801( ALL)01/95]
After you drive through the standing water,
apply your brakes gently several times as your
vehicle moves slowly. This helps to dry the
brakes.
*
[DR27820( ALL)07/94]
NOTE: If the transmission is submerged in
water, the fluid should be checked and
changed, if necessary.
*
[DR27825( ALL)03/93]
NOTE: All rear axle lube quantities must be
replaced every 100,000 miles
(160,000 km) or if the axle has been
submerged in water. Otherwise, the
lube should not be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair
required.
*
[DR27850( ALL)11/89]
Rocking the vehicle
*
[DR27950( ALL)05/95]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud
or snow), you may rock it out of the spot. Shift
in a steady rhythm between forward and reverse
gears. Allow the transmission to fully engage,
then press lightly on the accelerator. Do not rock
the vehicle for more than a few minutes. This
may overheat the engine and transmission,
causing damage to both. In addition, other
vehicle systems and components may also be
damaged.
*
[DR27975( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph
(55 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a
passenger or bystander.
File:ltdrm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:46:11 1995

62
*
[DR28750( ALL)01/93]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
*
[DR28801( ALL)06/92]
All vehicles may tow a Class I trailer provided
the Gross Combined Weight (GCW) is less than
or equal to the GVWR shown on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. For heavier
trailer applications, refer to the towing
information found later in this chapter.
*
[DR28850( M)04/95]
Trailer Towing
*
[DR29001( ALL)03/91]
Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your
vehicle's engine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires
and suspension. For your safety and for the
good of your vehicle, use the right equipment
for the type of trailer you tow.
*
[DR29025( ALL)09/92]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on
the standard and optional equipment on your
vehicle. Refer to the followingVehicle
Loading/Towing Informationand the Trailer
Towing Tables to determine the specific towing
capability of your vehicle.
*
[DR29050( ALL)02/92]
q
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[DR29101( ALL)01/95]
q
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your
vehicle for towing, making sure to use the
right equipment and to attach it properly.
(SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
*
[DR29151( ALL)01/95]
q
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle
while you tow. (SeeDriving while you towin
this chapter.)
*
[DR29201( ALL)01/95]
q
Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. (SeeServicing your vehicle if you
towin this chapter.)
*
[DR29350( ALL)05/94]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been
driven at least 500 miles (800 km).
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Update:Tue Jun 20 16:46:11 1995

74 [DR36900( E M)12/91]Do not use single clamp bumper hitches or
hitches which attach to the axle. Provisions for
multi-clamp type temporary bumper hitch have
been provided (Class I, max. loading), if installed
properly. Follow towing instructions of a
reputable rental agency.
*
[DR37000( ALL)12/92]
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are
removed, make sure all mounting holes in the
underbody are properly sealed to prevent
noxious gases or water from entering.
%*
[DR37800( ALL)11/89]
Safety Chains
*
[DR37900( ALL)12/92]
Always use safety chains between your vehicle
and trailer. Cross chains under the trailer tongue
and allow slack for turning corners. Connect
safety chains to the vehicle frame or hook
retainers. Never attach chains to the bumper.
%*
[DR38000( ALL)01/93]
Trailer Brakes
*
[DR38100( ALL)03/95]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most
towed vehicles weighing over 1,500 lb (680 kg).
*
[DR38200( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
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.
File:ltdrm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:46:11 1995