brakes FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS 2000 10.G Owners Manual

To set a speed
•Press SET/SET ACC/SET ACCEL.
For speed control to operate, the
speed control must be ON and
the vehicle speed must be greater
than 48 km/h (30 mph).
If you drive up or down a steep hill, your vehicle speed may vary
momentarily slower or faster than the set speed. This is normal.
Speed control cannot reduce the vehicle speed if it increases above the
set speed on a downhill. If your vehicle speed is faster than the set
speed while driving on a downhill, you may want to shift to the next
lower gear or apply the brakes to reduce your vehicle speed.
If your vehicle slows down more than 16 km/h (10 mph) below your set
speed on an uphill, your speed control will disengage. This is normal.
Pressing RES/RSM/RESUME will re-engage it.
Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on roads that
are winding, slippery, or unpaved.
To set a higher set speed
•Press and hold SET/SET ACC/
SET ACCEL. Release the control
when the desired vehicle speed is
reached or
•Press and release SET/SET ACC/
SET ACCEL. Each press will
increase the set speed by
1.6 km/h (1 mph) or
•Accelerate with your accelerator
pedal. When the desired vehicle
speed is reached, press and release SET/SET ACC/SET ACCEL.
RES
SET
ACCEL
COAST
RES
SET
ACCEL
COAST
Controls and features
19

BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the Scheduled
maintenance guide for scheduled maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle’s brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a “metal-to-metal,” “continuous grinding” or
“continuous squeal” sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
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.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle’s
anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a self-check after you start
the engine and begin to drive away. A brief mechanical noise may be
heard during this test. This is normal. If a malfunction is found, the ABS
warning light will come on. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be
inspected by a qualified service technician.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
Driving
27

vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS equipped vehicle (on top) during hard
braking with loss of front braking traction.
ABS warning lamp
ABS
TheABSwarning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily
illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the light
remains on after the vehicle is started, continues to flash or fails to
illuminate, have the system serviced immediately. With the ABS light on,
the anti-lock brake system is disabled and normal braking is still effective
unless the brake warning light also remains illuminated.
With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake system is disabled and normal
braking is still effective unless the
brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake
released. (If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle
serviced immediately.)
Using ABS
•In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the ABS is
required, apply continuous force on the brake. The ABS will be
activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full steering control
of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will enable you
to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.
•The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time necessary to apply
the brakes or always reduce stopping distance. Always leave enough
room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to stop.
•We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
Hydraulic brake booster system (Hydroboost or Hydromax)
The Hydroboost and Hydromax systems receive fluid pressure from the
power steering pump to provide power assist during braking.
The Hydromax booster receives backup pressure from the reserve
system electric pump whenever the fluid in the power steering system is
not flowing. When the engine is OFF, the pump will turn on if the brake
pedal is applied, or if the ignition is turned to the ON position.
The sound of the pump operating may be heard by the driver, but this is
a normal characteristic of the system.
Driving
28

The reserve system provides reduced braking power, so the vehicle
should be operated under these conditions with caution, and only to seek
service repair and remove the vehicle from the roadway.
For Hydromax-equipped vehicles operating under normal conditions, the
noise of the fluid flowing through the booster may be heard whenever
the brake is applied. This condition is normal. Vehicle service is not
required.
If braking performance or pedal response becomes very poor, even when
the pedal is strongly depressed, it may indicate the presence of air in the
hydraulic system or leakage of fluid. Stop the vehicle safely as soon as
possible and seek service immediately.
Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. Push pedal
downward to set the parking brake.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave
your vehicle.
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
Driving
29

Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes. The
transmission and tires may be damaged or the engine may
overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave
your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving with a 4–speed automatic transmission
Understanding gearshift positions
To put your vehicle in gear, start the engine, depress the brake pedal,
then move gearshift lever out of P (Park).
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever
from P (Park) to another position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
P (Park)
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into P (Park). Make
sure the gearshift lever is securely
latched in P (Park). This position
locks the transmission and prevents
the rear wheels from turning.
Driving
31

Hitches
You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10 – 15% of the total
weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Load equalizing hitch
When hooking up a trailer using a load equalizing hitch, always use the
following procedure:
1. Park the unloaded vehicle on a level surface. With the ignition on and
all doors closed, allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes so that it
can level.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers
at the center of the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust the hitch equalizers so that
the front bumper height is within 0–13 mm (
12inch) of the reference
point. After proper adjustment, the rear bumper should be no higher
than in Step 2.
Adjusting an equalizing hitch so the rear bumper of the vehicle
is lower or higher than it was unloaded will defeat the function
of the load equalizing hitch and may cause unpredictable handling.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle. 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 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.
Driving
36

•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.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine’s air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission/transmission
vent tube is submerged may allow water into the transmission
and cause internal transmission damage.
Driving
38

•Hydromax brake fluid reservoir
1. Clean the reservoir cap before removal to prevent dirt or water from
entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid until the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid certified to meet Ford specifications.
Refer toLubricant specificationsin theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry. This
may cause the brakes to fail.
Brake system fluid should be replaced on a regular basis to maintain
optimum braking performance, especially under heavy-duty driving
conditions such as frequent steep grades or heavy towing loads. Refer to
Maintenance and care
63

Air cleaner filter ....................61,92
Ambulance packages ....................3
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ...........................27,28
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive ...................................31
fluid, refill capacities ................93
fluid, specification ....................95
Axle
lubricant specifications ............95
refill capacities ..........................93
Battery .........................................72
acid, treating emergencies .......72
charging system warning light ..7
jumping a disabled battery ......52
maintenance-free ......................72
replacement, specifications .....92
servicing ....................................72
voltage gauge ............................13
Brakes .....................................27,28
anti-lock ................................27,28
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ............10,28
brake warning light ....................7
fluid, checking and adding ......62
fluid, refill capacities ................93
fluid, specifications ..............94,95
lubricant specifications .......94,95
shift interlock ............................30
Break-in period .............................3
Capacities for refilling fluids ......93
Cleaning your vehicle .................91
engine compartment ................91
exterior ......................................91
wheels ........................................91
Coolant ..............................64,66,67
checking and adding ................65
refill capacities .....................67,93
specifications .......................94,95
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................18Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................16
Dipstick
engine oil ...................................59
Doors
door ajar warning .....................10
Driveline universal joint
and slip yoke ...............................72
Driving under special
conditions
through water ...........................38
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ............................52
Emission control system ............88
Engine ..........................................95
check engine/
service engine soon light ........8,9
coolant .......................................64
idle speed control .....................72
lubrication specifications ....94,95
refill capacities ..........................93
service points ............................58
Engine block heater ...................26
Engine oil ....................................59
checking and adding ...........59,60
dipstick ......................................59
filter, specifications .............60,92
recommendations .....................60
refill capacities .....................59,93
specifications .............59,60,94,95
Exhaust fumes ............................26
Fail safe cooling ..........................68
Fluid capacities ...........................93
Fuel ..............................................79
calculating fuel economy .........82
capacity .....................................93
choosing the right fuel .............81
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates ...................85
detergent in fuel .......................82
filling your vehicle
with fuel ...............................79,82
Index
98

filter, specifications .............85,92
gauge .........................................12
improving fuel economy ..........82
low fuel warning light ................6
octane rating ........................81,95
quality ........................................81
running out of fuel ...................82
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .......................79
Fuses .......................................41,42
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) ...................82
Gauges .........................................12
battery voltage gauge ...............13
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................13
engine oil pressure gauge ........12
fuel gauge ..................................12
odometer ...................................14
speedometer .............................14
tachometer ................................15
trip odometer ............................14
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) .......33
calculating .................................35
definition ...................................33
driving with a heavy load ........33
location ......................................33
GVWR (Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating) ............................33
calculating ............................33,35
definition ...................................33
driving with a heavy load ........33
location ......................................33
Hazard flashers ...........................39
Headlamps ...................................16
daytime running lights .............16
flash to pass ..............................17
high beam ............................11,16
turning on and off ....................16
warning chime ..........................11
Ignition .........................................95positions of the ignition ...........17
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ................................89
Instrument panel
cluster ..........................................6
lighting up
panel and interior .....................17
Jump-starting your vehicle ........52
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............11
positions of the ignition ...........17
Lamps
cargo lamps ...............................17
daytime running light ...............16
headlamps .................................16
headlamps, flash to pass ..........17
instrument panel, dimming .....17
replacing bulbs .........................90
Lights, warning and indicator ......6
anti-lock brakes (ABS) .......10,28
brake ............................................7
charging system ..........................7
check coolant ..............................6
door ajar ....................................10
engine oil pressure .....................6
fuel reset ...................................11
high beam .................................11
low fuel ........................................6
safety belt ...................................7
service engine soon .................8,9
turn signal indicator .................11
Load limits ...................................33
GAWR ........................................33
GVWR ........................................33
trailer towing ............................33
Lubricant specifications ........94,95
Motorcraft parts .....................85,92
Octane rating ..............................81
Odometer .....................................14
Overdrive .....................................22
Parking brake ..............................29
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ......92
Index
99