tow FORD F250 2000 Owner's Manual

Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer, and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle’s bumper or attach to the
axle. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10% 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 (1/2 inch) of the reference
point. After proper adjustment, the rear bumper should be no higher
than in Step 3.
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.
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Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer 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.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.
Using a step bumper (if equipped)
The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and requires only a
ball with a 25.4 mm (one inch) shank diameter. The bumper hasa2270
kg (5 000 lb.) trailer weight and 227 kg (500 lb.) tongue weight
capability.
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position, a
frame-mounted trailer hitch must be installed.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Ensure that you turn off your speed control. The speed control may
shut off automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•Use a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills. This will
eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Exceeding the GCWR rating may cause internal transmission
damage and void your warranty coverage.
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Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance guide
for more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up in an area before starting on
a trip to get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning,
make wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other
obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•The trailer tongue weight should be no more than 10–15% of the
loaded trailer weight.
•After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place
the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmissions) or N (Neutral)
(manual transmissions). This aids engine cooling and air conditioner
efficiency.
•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.
Launching or retrieving a boat
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval,
•Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper and
•Do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
•Disconnect the trailer tow electrical connector to prevent blown fuses
caused by water entering into your trailer’s electrical wiring.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace front and rear axle lubricants anytime the axles have been
submerged in water. Axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked
unless a leak is suspected.
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All Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) vehicles
This applies to all cars and 4x2 trucks/sport utilities with rear wheel
drive capability.
An example of recreational towing is towing your vehicle behind a
Motorhome. The following recreational towing guidelines are designed to
ensure that your transmission is not damaged.
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
•Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph).
•Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles).
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km/h (35 mph) must
be exceeded, you must disconnect the driveshaft. Ford recommends the
driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified technician. See your
local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
RWD vehicles with 4x4 electronic shift transfer case or All Wheel
Drive (AWD) vehicles with automatic transmissions
Regarding recreational towing or having your vehicle towed, 4x4 vehicles
with electronic shift on the fly and AWD vehicles cannot be towed with
any wheels on the ground (with the exception of moving it as a disabled
vehicle off the road out of traffic).
SNOWPLOWING
For low speed snow removal, Ford offers a Snowplow Package as an
option. If you do not have this equipment, do not use your vehicle as a
snowplow or powertrain and suspension system damage may occur.
Do not install a snowplow and plow with your vehicle until it has been
driven at least 800 km (500 miles).
Installing the snowplow
Read the following instructions before installing a snowplow:
•Front GAWR must not exceed 63% of the GVW. Add ballast weight to
the back of the vehicle, if necessary. Refer to the Safety Compliance
Certification Label to find Front GAWR.
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•The Front Axle Accessory Reserve Capacity and the Total Accessory
Reserve Capacity listed on the bottom right of the Safety Compliance
Certification Label will determine whether or not the addition of a
snowplow will overload your vehicle.
•The weight of the snowplow and supporting components distributed to
the front axle must not exceed the front accessory reserve capacity.
•The total weight of the snowplow and aftermarket equipment must
not exceed the Total Accessory Reserve Capacity.
•The weight of the installed snowplow and aftermarket equipment must
not load the vehicle beyond the GAWR (front/rear) and GVWR listed
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
•The total weight of the snowplow and aftermarket equipment must be
considered part of the payload and must not exceed the Gross
Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) for towing.
•Federal and most local regulations require additional exterior lamps
for snowplow-equipped vehicles. Consult your dealer for additional
information.
•After installing a snowplow to the vehicle, ensure the vehicle’s front
toe alignment and front ride height are within specification (reset if
required). These specifications are located in the vehicle’s Workshop
Manual. Adherence to the toe, tire pressures and ride height
specification is important for proper tire wear, ride, handling and
headlight aim. Also, maintain the engine oil and transmission fluid
change intervals following the severe duty schedule.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Removing snowplow
Read the following instructions before removing a snowplow:
•After removing a snowplow from the vehicle, ensure the vehicle’s front
toe alignment and front ride height are within specification (reset if
required). These specifications are located in the vehicle’s Workshop
Manual. Adherence to the toe and ride height specification is
important for proper tire wear, ride, handling and headlight aim.
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GETTING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford offers a
complimentary roadside assistance program. This program is separate
from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service is available:
•24–hours, seven days a week
•for the Basic warranty period (Canada) or New Vehicle Limited
Warranty period (U.S.) of three years or 60,000 km (36,000 miles),
whichever comes first on Ford and Mercury vehicles, and four years or
80,000 km (50,000 miles) on Lincoln vehicles
Roadside assistance will cover:
•changing a flat tire
•jump-starts
•lock-out assistance
•fuel delivery
•towing of your disabled vehicle to the nearest Ford dealership, or your
selling dealer if within 25 kms (15.5 miles) of the nearest Ford
Dealership (one tow per disablement). Even non-warranty related
tows, like accidents or getting stuck in the mud or snow, are covered
(some exclusions apply, such as impound towing or repossession).
Using roadside assistance
Complete the roadside assistance identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. In the United States, this card is found in the
Owner Guide portfolio in the glove compartment in Ford vehicles and is
mailed to you if you own a Mercury or Lincoln. In Canada, it is found in
the Roadside Assistance book in the glove compartment.
To receive roadside assistance in the United States for Ford or Mercury
vehicles, call 1-800-241-3673 or if you own a Lincoln vehicle, call
1–800–521–4140. In Canada call 1–800–665–2006.
Should you need to arrange roadside assistance for yourself, Ford will
reimburse a reasonable amount. To obtain information about
reimbursement, call 1-800-241-3673 in the United States for Ford or
Mercury vehicles; or if you own a Lincoln vehicle, call 1–800–521–4140.
Call 1–800–665–2006 in Canada.
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The fuses are coded as follows.
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment
Fuse Panel Description
1 20A Turn/Hazard Lamps
2 10A Airbag Module
3 20A Cigar Lighter, Data Link Connector
4 10A Glove Box Lamp, Map Lamps, Power
Mirrors, Underhood Lamp
5 — Not Used
6 — Not Used
7 5A Power Window/Lock Switch Illumination
8 5A Radio, Headlamp Switch Illumination
9 — Not Used
10 15A Dual Fuel Tanks
11 30A Wiper Motor, Wiper Run/Park Relay Coil,
Wiper Hi/LO Relay Coil, Washer Pump
Relay Coil
12 15A Horn
13 20A Stop Lamps, Center High-mount Stop
Lamp, Trailer Tow Stop Lamp, Speed
Control
14 10A Dome Lamp, Cargo Lamp, Courtesy Lamps,
Running Board Lamps
15 5A Stop Lamp Switch (Logic): Generic
Electronic Module (GEM), Powertrain
Control Module (PCM), Four Wheel
Anti-lock Brake System (4WABS) Module,
Brake Shift Interlock, Cluster and PCM
Keep Alive Memory
16 15A Instrument Cluster, Hi-beam Headlamps
17 — Not Used
18 — Not Used
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment
Fuse Panel Description
19 10A Auxiliary Powertrain Control Module
(APCM) (Diesel only), Instrument Cluster,
GEM Module, Overdrive Cancel Switch, Idle
Validation Switch (Diesel only), Overhead
Console, Diesel PCM via Clutch
20 15A Starter Motor Relay Coil, Clutch Switch
21 — Not Used
22 10A Air Bag Module, Passenger Air Bag
Activation/Deactivation Switch, Blower
Motor Relay Coil
23 — Not Used
24 10A A/C Clutch, Blend Door Actuator, Trailer
Tow Battery Charge Relay Coil, Four Wheel
Anti-Lock Brake System (4WABS), Turn
Signal
25 — Not Used
26 — Not Used
27 10A
Ignition Run Power Feed (Customer Access)
28 10A Brake Shift Interlock, DRL Relay Coil,
Speed Control Module, Backup Lamps,
Trailer Tow Backup Lamp Relay Coil,
Electronic Shift On The Fly Hub Lock
Solenoid, Vacuum Pump Motor
29 5A Instrument Cluster (Charge and Airbag
Warning Lamps)
30 30A PCM Relay Coil, Ignition Coil (Gasoline
only), Fuel Heater (Diesel only), Wastegate
Solenoid (Diesel only), Injector Driver
Module Relay Coil (Diesel only)
31 — Not Used
Relay 1 — Interior Lamp Relay
Relay 2 — Not Used
Relay 3 — Horn
Relay 4 — Power Window One Touch Down Relay
Relay 5 — Accessory Delay Relay
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Power distribution box
The power distribution box, trailer tow and electronic shift on the fly
relay blocks are located in the engine compartment near the brake
master cylinder.
The power distribution box contains high-current fuses that protect your
vehicle’s main electrical systems from overloads.
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.
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, refer to the
Batterysection of theMaintenance and carechapter.
19 29
18 2830
31
32
33
34
35
37 36 17 27
16 26
15 25
14 24
13
11 12
910
78
56
34
1223
22
21
20
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The high-current fuses and relays are coded as follows.
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box Description
1 7.5A * Trailer Tow Left Stop/Turn Lamp
2 10A* Washer Pump
3 7.5A* Trailer Tow Right Stop/Turn Lamp
4 20A* Trailer Tow Backup Lamps, Trailer Tow
Park Lamps
5 20A* (Gasoline
only)
5A* (Diesel only)Gasoline only-PCM, Fuel Pump Relay Coil,
Mass Air Flow Sensor, Fuel Injectors
Diesel only-Dual AlternatorAField
6 10A* Gasoline only-A/C (CASS)
Diesel only-Single or Dual Alternator
AField, Regulator
7 20A* (Gasoline
only)
5A* (Diesel only)
Gasoline only-Vapor Management Valve,
HEGO Sensors, Intake Manifold
Communication Control, EVR Solenoid,
PCM, Canister Vent Solenoid
Diesel only-Dual AlternatorAField
8 15A* Trailer Tow Electronic Brake
Illumination, Park Lamps, Trailer Tow
Park Lamp Relay Coil
9 10A* Left Headlamp (Low Beam)
10 20A* Power Point
11 10A* Right Headlamp (Low Beam)
12 15A* Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Resistor
13 30A** Multi-function Switch, Headlamps
14 60A** Anti-Lock Brake System
15 — Not Used
16 30A** Trailer Tow Battery Charge
17 30A** Electronic Shift On The Fly Relay,
Transfer Case Shift Motor
18 30A** Power Seat
19 20A** Fuel Pump Motor, PCM
20 50A** Ignition Switch (B4 & B5)
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