towing FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS 2016 13.G Owners Manual

Introduction
About This Manual...........................................3
Symbols Glossary.............................................3
California Proposition 65...............................5
Perchlorate..........................................................5
Ford Credit...........................................................5
Replacement PartsRecommendation........................................6
Special Notices.................................................6
Mobile CommunicationsEquipment.......................................................7
Export Unique Options...................................7
Environment
Protecting the Environment.........................8
Steering Wheel
Adjusting the Steering Wheel......................9
Cruise Control....................................................9
Wipers and Washers
Windshield Wipers.........................................10
Windshield Washers......................................10
Lighting
Lighting Control................................................11
Instrument Lighting Dimmer........................11
Daytime Running Lamps..............................12
Direction Indicators.........................................12
Instrument Cluster
Gauges.................................................................13
Warning Lamps and Indicators..................15
Audible Warnings and Indicators...............17
Information Displays
General Information.......................................18
Information Messages..................................19
Starting and Stopping theEngine
General Information......................................22
Ignition Switch.................................................22
Starting a Gasoline Engine.........................22
Engine Block Heater......................................24
Fuel and Refueling
Safety Precautions........................................25
Fuel Quality......................................................26
Running Out of Fuel......................................26
Refueling............................................................27
Fuel Consumption.........................................28
Emission Control System............................29
Transmission
Automatic Transmission.............................32
Brakes
General Information......................................35
Hints on Driving With Anti-LockBrakes.............................................................35
Parking Brake...................................................36
Cruise Control
Principle of Operation...................................37
Using Cruise Control......................................37
Load Carrying
Load Limit.........................................................38
Towing
Towing a Trailer...............................................44
Recommended Towing Weights..............45
Essential Towing Checks.............................47
Transporting the Vehicle.............................49
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels.......50
1Motorhome (TY3) , enUSA, First PrintingTable of Contents

Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
Indicates engine oil pressure. The needleshould stay in the normal operating range(between L and H). If the needle fallsbelow the normal range, stop the vehicle,turn off the engine and check the engineoil level. Add oil if needed. If the oil level iscorrect, have your vehicle checked by yourauthorized dealer.
Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed. Vehicle speed islimited to either 65 mph (105 km/h) or 75mph (120 km/h).
Transmission Fluid TemperatureGauge
Normal area
The transmission fluid is within the normaloperating temperature (between H andC).
Yellow area
The transmission fluid is higher thannormal operating temperature. This canbe caused by special operation conditions(i.e. snowplowing, towing or off-road use).Operating the transmission for extendedperiods of time with the gauge in theyellow area may cause internaltransmission damage. Altering the severityof the driving conditions is recommendedto lower the transmission temperature intothe normal range.
Red area
The transmission fluid is overheating. Stopthe vehicle to allow the temperature toreturn to normal range.
If the gauge is operating in the yellow orred area, stop the vehicle and verify theairflow is not restricted such as snow ordebris blocking airflow through the grill. Ifthe gauge continues to show hightemperatures, see your authorized dealer.
Engine Coolant TemperatureGauge
WARNING
Never remove the coolant reservoircap while the engine is running or hot.
At normal operating temperature, theneedle will remain in the center section.
Note:Do not restart the engine until thecause of overheating has been resolved.
If the needle enters the red section, theengine is overheating. Stop the engine,switch the ignition off and determine thecause once the engine has cooled down.
Fuel Gauge
Note:The fuel gauge may vary slightlywhen your vehicle is moving or on a slope.
Switch the ignition on. The fuel gaugeindicates approximately how much fuelyou have left in the fuel tank. The arrowadjacent to the fuel pump symbolindicates on which side of your vehicle thefuel filler door is located.
The needle should move toward F whenyou refuel your vehicle. If the needle pointsto E after adding fuel, have an authorizeddealer check the system soon.
After refueling, some variability in theposition of the needle is normal:
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•It may take a short time for the needleto reach F after leaving the gas station.This is normal and depends upon theslope of the pavement at the gasstation.
•The fuel amount dispensed into thetank is a little less or more than thegauge indicated. This is normal anddepends upon the slope of thepavement at the gas station.
•If the gas station nozzle shuts offbefore the tank is full, try a differentgas pump nozzle.
•There is a small reserve left in the tankwhen the fuel gauge reaches empty.
Low Fuel Reminder
A low fuel reminder triggers when the fuelgauge needle is at one-sixteenth or about50 miles (80 km) to empty, whicheveroccurs first.
Variations:
Note:The low fuel warning and distance-to-empty warning can appear at different fuelgauge positions depending on fuel economy conditions. This variation is normal.
Distance-to-emptyFuel gauge positionDriving type (fuel economyconditions)
30 miles to 80 miles (48 kmto 129 km)1/16thHighway driving
10 miles to 35 miles (16 kmto 56 km)1/16th-1/4Severe duty driving (trailertowing, extended idle)
WARNING LAMPS AND
INDICATORS
The following warning lamps andindicators will alert you to a vehiclecondition that may become serious. Somelamps will illuminate when you start yourvehicle to make sure they work. If anylamps remain on after starting your vehicle,refer to the respective system warninglamp for further information.
Note:Some warning indicators appear inthe information display and function thesame as a warning lamp but do not displaywhen you start your vehicle.
Anti-Lock Braking System
If it illuminates when you aredriving, this indicates amalfunction. You will continueto have the normal braking system(without ABS) unless the brake systemwarning lamp is also illuminated. Have thesystem checked by your authorized dealer.
Battery
If it illuminates while driving, itindicates a malfunction. Switchoff all unnecessary electricalequipment and have the system checkedby your authorized dealer immediately.
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Maintenance
ActionMessage
The engine oil pressure is low. Check the level of theengine oil. If the oil level is OK and this warning persists,shut down the engine immediately and contact anauthorized dealer as soon as possible. See Engine OilCheck (page 83).
LOW OIL PRESSURE
The brake fluid level is low and the brake systemshould be inspected immediately. See Brake FluidCheck (page 88).
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW
The fuel cap is loose, not seated properly or off. Stopyour vehicle when convenient, turn off the engine andcheck that you inserted the fuel cap properly. Rotatethe cap until you hear a click. The warning messageswitches off after a proper drive cycle is completed.See Emission Control System (page 29). If thewarning message remains on or continues to comesback on, see an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK FUEL CAP
Transmission
ActionMessage
The transmission fluid is overheating. This warningmay appear when towing heavy loads or when drivingin a low gear at a high speed for an extended periodof time. Stop your vehicle as soon as safely possible,turn off the engine and let the transmission cool.
CHECK TRANS TEMPERATURE
A reminder to apply the brakes, then shift to park.SHIFT TO PARK
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Keep a record for at least 1 month andrecord the type of driving (city or highway).This provides an accurate estimate of thevehicle’s fuel economy under currentdriving conditions. Additionally, keepingrecords during summer and winter showhow temperature impacts fuel economy.In general, lower temperatures mean lowerfuel economy.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing atrailer may reduce fuel economy at anyspeed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight mayreduce fuel economy (approximately1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400pounds [180 kilograms] of weightcarried).
•Adding certain accessories to yourvehicle (for example bug deflectors,rollbars/light bars, running boards, skiracks) may reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol maylower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lowertemperatures during the first 8–10miles (12–16 kilometers) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improvedfuel economy as compared to drivingon hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fueleconomy when operated in the topcruise gear and with steady pressureon the gas pedal.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARNINGS
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehiclein dry grass or other dry ground cover.The emission system heats up theengine compartment and exhaust system,which can start a fire.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry ofharmful and potentially lethal fumesinto the passenger compartment. Ifyou smell exhaust fumes inside yourvehicle, have your dealer inspect yourvehicle immediately. Do not drive if yousmell exhaust fumes.
Your vehicle is equipped with variousemission control components and acatalytic converter that will enable yourvehicle to comply with applicable exhaustemission standards. To make sure that thecatalytic converter and other emissioncontrol components continue to workproperly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while yourvehicle is moving, especially at highspeeds.
•Have the items listed in scheduledmaintenance information performedaccording to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listedin scheduled maintenance information areessential to the life and performance ofyour vehicle and to its emissions system.
If you use parts other than Ford, Motorcraftor Ford-authorized parts for maintenancereplacements, or for service ofcomponents affecting emission control,such non-Ford parts should be theequivalent to genuine Ford Motor Companyparts in performance and durability.
29Motorhome (TY3) , enUSA, First PrintingFuel and Refueling

Tow/Haul Mode
WARNING
Do not use the tow/haul featurewhen driving in icy or slipperyconditions as the increased enginebraking can cause the wheels to slide andyour vehicle to swing around with thepossible loss of vehicle control.
To activate tow/haul, press thebutton on the gearshift leveronce. The TOW HAUL indicatorlight will illuminate in the instrumentcluster.
To deactivate the tow/haul feature andreturn to normal driving mode, press thebutton on the gearshift lever again. TheTOW HAUL light will deactivate. Tow/haulwill also deactivate when your power downyour vehicle.
The tow/haul feature:
•Delays upshifts to reduce the frequencyof transmission shifting.
•Provides engine braking in all forwardgears, which will slow your vehicle andassist you in controlling your vehiclewhen descending a grade.
•Depending on driving conditions andload conditions, may downshift thetransmission, slow your vehicle andcontrol your vehicle speed whendescending a hill, without pressing theaccelerator pedal. The amount ofdownshift braking provided will varybased upon the amount the brakepedal is pressed.
The tow/haul feature improvestransmission operation when towing atrailer or a heavy load. All transmissiongear ranges are available when usingtow/haul.
Automatic Transmission AdaptiveLearning
This feature may increase durability andprovide consistent shift feel over the lifeof your vehicle. A new vehicle ortransmission may have firm shifts, softshifts or both. This operation is considerednormal and will not affect function ordurability of the transmission. Over time,the adaptive learning process will fullyupdate transmission operation.
Forced Downshifts
•Allowed in drive (D) with the tow/haulfeature on or off.
•Press the accelerator pedal to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select anappropriate gear.
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LOAD LIMIT
Vehicle Loading - with andwithout a Trailer
This section will guide you in theproper loading of your vehicle,trailer or both, to keep your loadedvehicle weight within its designrating capability, with or withouta trailer. Properly loading yourvehicle will provide maximumreturn of vehicle designperformance. Before loading yourvehicle, familiarize yourself with
the following terms fordetermining your vehicle’s weightratings, with or without a trailer,from the vehicle’s Tire Label orSafety Compliance CertificationLabel:
Base Curb Weight - is the weightof the vehicle including a full tankof fuel and all standardequipment. It does not includepassengers, cargo, or optionalequipment.
Vehicle Curb Weight - is theweight of your new vehicle whenyou picked it up from yourauthorized dealer plus anyaftermarket equipment.
Cargo Weight - includes allweight added to the Base CurbWeight, including cargo andoptional equipment. When towing,trailer tongue load or king pinweight is also part of cargo weight.
GAW (Gross Axle Weight) - isthe total weight placed on eachaxle (front and rear) including
vehicle curb weight and allpayload.
GAWR (Gross Axle WeightRating) - is the maximumallowable weight that can becarried by a single axle (front orrear). These numbers are shownon the Safety ComplianceCertification Label. The label shallbe affixed to either the door hinge
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pillar, door-latch post, or the dooredge that meets the door-latchpost, next to the driver's seatingposition.The total load on eachaxle must never exceed its
Gross Axle Weight Rating.
Note: For trailer towinginformation refer to the RV andTrailer Towing Guide available atan authorized dealer.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) -is the Vehicle Curb Weight, pluscargo, plus passengers.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle WeightRating) - is the maximumallowable weight of the fullyloaded vehicle (including alloptions, equipment, passengersand cargo). It is shown on the
Safety Compliance CertificationLabel. The label shall be affixedto either the door hinge pillar,door-latch post, or the door edgethat meets the door-latch post,next to the driver's seatingposition.The Gross VehicleWeight must never exceed theGross Vehicle Weight Rating.
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GCW (Gross Combined Weight)- is the Gross Vehicle Weight plusthe weight of the fully loadedtrailer.
GCWR (Gross CombinedWeight Rating) - is the maximumallowable weight of the vehicleand the loaded trailer, includingall cargo and passengers, that thevehicle can handle without riskingdamage. (Important: The towingvehicle’s braking system is ratedfor operation at Gross VehicleWeight Rating, not at GrossCombined Weight Rating.)Separate functional brakes shouldbe used for safe control of towedvehicles and for trailers where theGross Combined Weight of thetowing vehicle plus the trailerexceed the Gross Vehicle WeightRating of the towing vehicle.TheGross Combined Weight mustnever exceed the GrossCombined Weight Rating.
Maximum Loaded TrailerWeight - is the highest possibleweight of a fully loaded trailer thevehicle can tow. It assumes avehicle with mandatory options,driver and front passenger weight(150 pounds [68 kilograms]each), no cargo weight (internalor external) and a tongue load of10–15% (conventional trailer).Consult an authorized dealer (orthe RV and Trailer Towing Guideavailable at an authorized dealer)for more detailed information.
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR orthe GAWR specified on theSafety Compliance CertificationLabel.
Do not use replacement tireswith lower load carryingcapacities than the original tiresbecause they may lower thevehicle’s GVWR and GAWRlimitations. Replacement tireswith a higher limit than the originaltires do not increase the GVWRand GAWR limitations.
Exceeding any vehicle weightrating limitation could resultin serious damage to the vehicleand/or personal injury.
Steps for determining thecorrect load limit:
1. Determine the combined weightof the driver and passengers thatwill be riding in your vehicle.
2. Subtract the combined weightof the driver and passengers fromXXX kg or XXX lb.
3. The resulting figure equals theavailable amount of cargo andluggage load capacity. Forexample, if the “XXX” amountequals 1,400 lb. and there will befive 150 lb. passengers in yourvehicle, the amount of availablecargo and luggage load capacityis 650 lb. (1400-750 (5 x 150) =
650 lb.)
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4. Determine the combined weightof luggage and cargo being loadedon the vehicle. That weight maynot safely exceed the availablecargo and luggage load capacitycalculated in Step 3.
5. If your vehicle will be towing atrailer, load from your trailer willbe transferred to your vehicle.Consult this manual to determinehow this reduces the availablecargo and luggage load capacityof your vehicle.
The following gives you a fewexamples on how to calculate theavailable amount of cargo andluggage load capacity:
*Suppose your vehicle has a1400-pound (635-kilogram) cargoand luggage capacity. You decideto go golfing. Is there enough loadcapacity to carry you, four of yourfriends and all the golf bags? Youand four friends average 220pounds (99 kilograms) each andthe golf bags weigh approximately30 pounds (13.5 kilograms) each.The calculation would be: 1400 -(5 x 220) - (5 x 30) = 1400 - 1100- 150 = 150 pounds. Yes, you haveenough load capacity in yourvehicle to transport four friendsand your golf bags. In metric units,the calculation would be: 635kilograms - (5 x 99 kilograms) -(5 x 13.5 kilograms) = 635 - 495 -67.5 = 72.5 kilograms.
*Suppose your vehicle has a1400-pound (635-kilogram) cargoand luggage capacity. You andone of your friends decide to pickup cement from the local homeimprovement store to finish thatpatio you have been planning forthe past two years. Measuring theinside of the vehicle with the rearseat folded down, you have roomfor twelve 100-pound(45-kilogram) bags of cement. Doyou have enough load capacity totransport the cement to yourhome? If you and your friend eachweigh 220 pounds (99 kilograms),the calculation would be: 1400 -(2 x 220) - (12 x 100) = 1400 - 440- 1200 = - 240 pounds. No, you donot have enough cargo capacityto carry that much weight. Inmetric units, the calculation wouldbe: 635 kilograms - (2 x 99kilograms) - (12 x 45 kilograms) =635 - 198 - 540 = -103 kilograms.You will need to reduce the loadweight by at least 240 pounds(104 kilograms). If you removethree 100-pound (45-kilogram)cement bags, then the loadcalculation would be:1400 - (2 x220) - (9 x 100) = 1400 - 440 -900 = 60 pounds. Now you havethe load capacity to transport thecement and your friend home. Inmetric units, the calculation wouldbe: 635 kilograms - (2 x 99kilograms) - (9 x 45 kilograms) =635 - 198 - 405 = 32 kilograms.
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