trailer FORD F150 1997 10.G User Guide

Using a 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. Turn the air suspension switch
to OFF (if equipped).
3. Measure the height of a
reference point on the front and
rear bumpers at the center of the
vehicle.
4. Attach the trailer to the vehicle
and adjust the hitch equalizers so
that the front bumper height is
0±13 mm (0.5 in). After proper
adjustment, the rear bumper
should be no higher than in step 3.
5. Turn on the air suspension
switch.
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.
Step bumper (if equipped)
Step bumpers have a built-in hitch
and only require a ball with a 2.5
cm (1 in.) shank diameter. Step
bumpers have a Class III capability
(2,270 kg [5,000 lb] trailer weight
and 91 kg [200 lb] tongue weight.
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If it is necessary to relocate the
trailer hitch ball position, a
frame-mounted trailer hitch must
be installed.
Safety chains
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.
Trailer brakes
Trailer brakes are required on
most towed vehicles weighing over
680 kg (1,500 lbs).
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.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most
towed vehicles. Make sure your
trailer lamps conform to Federal
and local regulations. See your
dealer or trailer rental agency for
the proper instructions and
equipment for hooking up trailer
lamps.
Driving while you tow
Do not drive faster than 88 km/h
(55 mph) while towing a trailer. Do
not drive faster than 72 km/h (45
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mph) with a trailer while towing in
hilly country or on hot days.
Speed control may shut off if you
are towing on very long, steep
grades.
When towing a trailer
If equipped with an automatic
transmission, use D (Drive) rather
than
D(Overdrive) while towing
up or down steep hills. This will
eliminate excessive downshifting
and upshifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.
If equipped with a manual
transmission, use 4 (Fourth) rather
than
D(Overdrive).
²Anticipate stops and brake
gradually.
OVERDRIVE OFF
1
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²Allow more room for stopping
with a trailer attached.
²Practice turning, stopping and
backing in an area before
starting on a trip to get the feel
of the vehicle/trailer
combination.
²When turning, drive slightly
beyond the normal turning point
so the trailer wheels will clear
curbs and other obstacles.
²When stopped in traffic for long
periods of time in hot weather,
place the automatic transmission
gearshift in P (Park) to increase
idle speed. This aids engine
cooling and air conditioner
efficiency.
²Vehicles with trailers should not
be parked on a grade. If you
must park on a grade, place
wheel chocks under the trailer's
wheels.
²After you have travelled about
80 km (50 miles), thoroughly
check your hitch, electrical
connections and trailer wheel
lug nuts.
Launching or retrieving a boat
When backing down a ramp during
boat launching or retrieval,
²Do not allow the static water
level to rise above the bottom
edge of the rear bumper and
²Do not allow waves to break
higher than 15 cm (six inches)
above the bottom edge of the
rear bumper.
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Exceeding these limits may allow
water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting
driveability, emissions and
reliability.
Servicing when towing
If you tow a trailer for long
distances, your vehicle will require
more frequent service intervals.
Refer to the ªService Guideº for
more information.
SNOWPLOWING
Ford recommends the following
specifications for low speed,
personal use snow removal:
²F-150 4WD long wheelbase or
F-250 4WD Regular Cab
²4.6L or 5.4L engine
²Super engine cooling
²Heavy duty front suspension
package
²Automatic transmission with
auxiliary automatic transmission
fluid cooling
²All-terrain tires
Do not install a snowplow and
plow with your vehicle until it has
been driven at least 800 km (500
miles).
Installing snowplow
Read the following instructions
before installing a snowplow:
²Front GAWR must not exceed
63% of the GVW. Add ballast
weight to the back of the
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Position Amps Description
9 - Not used
10 - Not used
11 30 Wiper system
12 5 On-board diagnostic (OBD II) data link
connector
13 15 Brake ON/OFF switch, rear anti-lock brake
module and brake pressure switch
14 15 Interior lamps and accessory delay relay
15 5 GEM module/CTM module
16 20 High beam headlamps
17 - Not used
18 5 Instrument illumination
19 10 Air bag diagnostic monitor, instrument cluster
20 5 GEM module/CTM module and powertrain
control module (PCM)
21 15 Starter relay
22 10 Air bag diagnostic monitor and passenger air
bag deactivate switch
23 10 4WD clutch relay, electronic flasher, 4WD/2WD
vacuum solenoids and trailer tow battery charge
relay
24 10 I/P blower relay
25 5 4WABS module and relay
26 10 Right low beam headlamp and DRL module
27 5 Foglamp relay
28 10 Left low beam headlamp
29 5 Autolamp, instrument cluster, transmission
control indicator lamp and switch
30 30 Ignition coils and PCM relay
31 - Not used
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Relays
Position Description
1 Interior lamps relay
2 Battery saver relay
3 Not used
4 One touch down relay
5 Accessory delay relay
Power distribution box
Lift cover towards left of vehicle to
access the power distribution box.
Always disconnect the
battery before servicing
high current fuses.
Always replace the cover
to the Power Distribution
Box before reconnecting the
battery or refilling fluid
reservoirs.
Fuses
Position Amps Description
1 20 Trailer tow back-up and tail lamps
2 10 Air bag diagnostic monitor
3 15 Power locks
4 15 Air suspension
5 20 Horn
6 15 Audio system
29
6
5
4
3
2
1 28
27
26
25
24
2319
18
17
16
15
14
13
22
21
20
12
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Fuses
Position Amps Description
7 15 Parking and tail lamps
8 30 Headlamps
9 15 Daytime running lamps and fog lamps
10 25 Auxiliary power point
11 - Not used
12 - Not used
13 - Not used
14 60/20 4WABS/rear anti-lock brake
15 50 Air suspension compressor
16 40 Trailer tow battery charge and stop/turn lamps
17 30 4WD transfer case shift motor and clutch
18 30 Driver power seat
19 20 Fuel pump
20 50 Instrument panel fuse panel ignition switch feed
21 50 Instrument panel fuse panel ignition switch feed
22 50 I/P fuse panel battery feed
23 40 I/P blower
24 30 PCM power
25 30 Power windows
26 - Not used
27 - Not used
28 30 Trailer tow electronic brake
29 - Not used
Diodes
Position Description
1 Rear ABS diode
2 PCM diode
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Engine minifuse panel
The minifuse panel is located
behind the power distribution box.
Location Amperage Description
1 5 Powertrain control module (PCM)
2 20 Trailer tow stop/turn lamps
3 - Not used
4 - Not used
5 - Not used
6 - Not used
CHANGING FLAT TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving,
do not apply the brakes heavily.
Instead, gradually reduce the
speed while holding the steering
wheel firmly. Move the vehicle to a
safe spot off to the side of the
road.
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Oil filters
Ford production and aftermarket
(Motorcraft) oil filters are designed
for added engine protection and
long life. If a replacement oil filter
is used that does not meet Ford
material and design specifications,
startup engine noises or knock
may be experienced. It is
recommended that you use the
appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford
specifications) for your engine
application.
Checking engine oil
Check the engine oil each time you
fuel your vehicle.
Check the engine oil level more
frequently if the vehicle is carrying
a heavy load, towing a trailer,
idling for extended periods (like
police, taxi or shuttle service
vehicles) or driven at high speeds
for extended periods of time.
To check the oil:
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level
ground. If the engine is warm, turn
the engine off and wait a few
minutes for the oil to drain into
the oil pan.
2. Set the parking brake and
ensure the gearshift is latched in P
(Park) (automatic transmission) or
1 (First) (manual transmission).
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself
from engine heat.
4. Locate and carefully remove the
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