traction control FORD F550 2011 Owners Manual

Locks and Security 127Keys 127
Locks 135
Anti-theft system 147
Seating and Safety Restraints 151Seating 151
Safety restraints 166
Airbags 178
Child restraints 192
Tires, Wheels and Loading 214Tire information 216
Tire inflation 219
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 234
Vehicle loading 242
Trailer towing 249
Trailer brake controller-integrated 254
Recreational towing 261
Driving 262Starting 262
Brakes 268
Traction Control™ 270
AdvanceTrac  271
Hill descent control 277
Transmission operation 284
Reverse sensing system 292
Rear-view camera system 294Table of Contents
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AdvanceTrac  /Traction control
(if equipped): Displays when the
AdvanceTrac  /Traction control is
active. If the light remains on, have
the system serviced immediately,
refer to the Driving chapter for more information.
AdvanceTrac  /Traction control
off light (if equipped): Illuminates
when AdvanceTrac  /Traction control
has been disabled by the driver.
Refer to the Driving chapter for
more information.
4X2 (RTT) (if equipped):
Displays momentarily when
two-wheel drive high is selected. If
the light fails to display when the
ignition is turned on, or remains on,
have the system serviced immediately by your authorized dealer.
Four wheel drive low (RTT and
static) (if equipped): Displays
when four-wheel drive low is
engaged. If the light fails to display
when the ignition is turned on, or remains on, have the system serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
Four wheel drive high (RTT and
static) (if equipped): Displays
when four-wheel drive high is
engaged. If the light fails to display
when the ignition is turned on, or remains on, have the system serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
Electronic locking differential
(RTT and static) (if equipped):
Displays when using the electronic
locking differential.
Speed control (if equipped): The
speed control system indicator light
changes color to indicate what mode
the system is in: OFF
4x2
4x4
LOW
4x4
HIGHInstrument Cluster
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TRAIN RIGHT REAR TIRE (if equipped) — Displayed when training
the TPMS. Refer to TPMS reset procedure in the Tires, Wheels and
Loading chapter for more information.
TRAIN LEFT REAR TIRE (if equipped) — Displayed when training
the TPMS. Refer to TPMS reset procedure in the Tires, Wheels and
Loading chapter for more information.
TIRES NOT TRAINED – REPEAT (if equipped) — Displayed when
an error occurs while training the TPMS. Refer to TPMS reset procedure
in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter for more information.
TRAINING COMPLETE (if equipped) — Displayed when training of
the TPMS is complete. Refer to TPMS reset procedure in the Tires,
Wheels and Loading chapter for more information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF (if equipped) — Displayed when the
traction control has been disabled by the driver. Refer to the Driving
chapter for more information.
INTKEY COULD NOT PROGRAM — Displayed when an attempt is
made to program a fifth integrated key to the remote keyless entry
system. For more information on integrated key, refer to the Locks and
Security chapter.
KEY COULD NOT PROGRAM — Displayed when an attempt is made
to program a spare key using two existing MyKeys. Refer to MyKey  in
the Locks and Security chapter for more information.
VEHICLE SPEED 80 MPH MAX — Displayed when a MyKey  is in
use and the Admin has enabled the MyKey speed limit and the vehicle
speed is 80 mph (130 km/h). Refer to MyKey  in the Locks and
Security chapter for more information.
SPEED LIMITED TO 80 MPH — Displayed when starting the vehicle
and MyKey  is in use and the MyKey speed limit is on. Refer to MyKey 
in the Locks and Security chapter for more information.
CHECK SPEED DRIVE SAFELY — Displayed when a MyKey  is in
use and the optional setting is on and the vehicle exceeds a preselected
speed. Refer to MyKey  in the Locks and Security chapter for more
information.
VEHICLE NEAR TOP SPEED — Displayed when a MyKey  is in use
and the MyKey speed limit is on and the vehicle speed is approaching
80 mph (130 km/h). Refer to MyKey  in the Locks and Security
chapter for more information.
TOP SPEED MYKEY SETTING — Displayed when a MyKey  is in use
and the MyKey speed limit is on and the vehicle speed is 80 mph
(130 km/h). Refer to MyKey  in the
Locks and Security chapter for
more information. Instrument Cluster
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• Hill Descent Control
• 4X4 System
• Traction Control
Trailer: Press the right arrow key (when in the Off Road menu) to
reach the Trailer menu (vehicle must be equipped with factory installed
trailer brake controller). The following information is displayed:
• Active trailer name or default trailer.
• Accumulated trailer distance.
• Trailer gain and output.
• Trailer disconnected
When “Press OK for options” is displayed, pressing OK will open the
trailer options menus:
Trailer
Change Active
Trailer When this is highlighted, press the right arrow key
to change the currently selected trailer. Use the up
and down arrows to select a trailer and press the
OK button to choose the highlighted trailer.
Adding a new trailer– Use the up/down arrows to
highlight “New Trailer” from the Change Active
Trailer menu and press the right arrow key to enter
the New Trailer input screen. Use the up/down
arrow keys to choose alpha, numeric and symbol
characters and then press the right arrow to move
the character space over. Continue adding
characters as needed. Press the left arrow to go
back and change a previously selected character.
When finished with the new trailer name, press OK
to accept the new trailer name.
Connection
Checklist (if
equipped) Press the right arrow button when this is highlighted
to show the trailer connection types: Conventional,
Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck. Use the up/down
arrows to highlight one of these choices and press
OK to display the connection checklist. Follow the
on-screen instructions to go through the connections
list. Instrument Cluster
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TRAIN LEFT FRONT TIRE — Displayed when training the TPMS
system. Refer to TPMS reset procedure in the Tires, Wheels and
Loading chapter for more information.
TRAIN LEFT REAR TIRE — Displayed when training the TPMS
system. Refer to TPMS reset procedure in the Tires, Wheels and
Loading chapter for more information.
TRAIN RIGHT FRONT TIRE — Displayed when training the TPMS
system. Refer to TPMS reset procedure in the Tires, Wheels and
Loading chapter for more information.
TRAIN RIGHT REAR TIRE — Displayed when training the TPMS
system. Refer to TPMS reset procedure in the Tires, Wheels and
Loading chapter for more information.
TRAIN SPARE TIRE (if equipped) — Displayed when training the
TPMS. Refer to TPMS reset procedure in the Tires, Wheels and
Loading chapter for more information.
TRAINING COMPLETE — Displayed when training of the TPMS
system is complete. Refer to TPMS reset procedure in the Tires, Wheels
and Loading chapter for more information.
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT — The power steering system
has disabled power steering assist due to a system error; service is
required.
SERVICE POWER STEERING — The power steering system has
detected a condition that requires service.
SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW — The power steering system
has detected a condition that requires service immediately.
BUCKLE UP TO UNMUTE AUDIO — Displayed when a MyKey  is in
use and Belt-Minder  is activated. Refer to MyKey  in the Locks and
Security chapter for more information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF (if equipped) — Displayed when the
traction control has been disabled by the driver. Refer to the Driving
chapter for more information.
CHECK 4X4 (if equipped) — Displayed when a 4X4 system fault is
present. For more information, refer to Four-wheel drive (4WD)
operation in the Driving chapter.
4X4 SHIFT IN PROGRESS (if equipped) — Displayed when the 4X4
system is making a shift. For further information, refer to Four-wheel
drive (4WD) operation in the Driving chapter.
FOR 4X4 LOW APPLY BRAKE (if equipped) — Displayed when
trying to select 4X4 LOW. For more information, refer to Four-wheel
drive (4WD) operation in the Driving chapter.Instrument Cluster
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FOR 4X4 LOW SHIFT TO N (if equipped) — Displayed when 4X4
LOW is selected and the vehicle is stopped. For more information, refer
to Four-wheel drive (4WD) operation in the Driving chapter.
FOR 4X4 LOW SLOW TO 3 MPH (if equipped) — Displayed when
4X4 LOW is selected while the vehicle is moving. For more information,
refer to Four-wheel drive (4WD) operation in the Driving chapter.
TO EXIT 4X4 LOW APPLY BRAKE (if equipped) — Displayed when
2WD is selected from 4X4 LOW mode. For more information, refer to
Four-wheel drive (4WD) operation in the Driving chapter.
TO EXIT 4X4 LOW SHIFT TO N (if equipped) — Displayed when
2WD is selected while the vehicle has been stopped in 4X4 LOW. For
more information, refer to Four-wheel drive (4WD) operation in the
Driving chapter.
TO EXIT 4X4 LOW SLOW TO 3 MPH (if equipped) — Displayed
when 2WD is selected while the vehicle is operating in 4X4 LOW. For
more information, refer to Four-wheel drive (4WD) operation in the
Driving chapter.
FOR HILL DESCENT REDUCE SPEED (if equipped) — Displayed
when the vehicle speed requirement for off-road mode entry has not
been met.
FOR HILL DESCENT SELECT GEAR (if equipped) — Displayed
when the driver is able to select a transmission gear for hill descent
mode.
HILL DESCENT - DRIVER RESUME CONTROL (if equipped) —
Displayed when hill descent control mode is deactivated and the driver
must resume control.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL FAULT (if equipped) — Displayed when
a hill descent system fault is present.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL OFF (if equipped) — Displayed when
hill descent control mode becomes inactive.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL OFF SYSTEM COOLING (if equipped)
— Displayed when the hill descent system is cooling due to overuse.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL READY (if equipped) — Displayed
when the hill descent control switch is turned on.
REDUCE ACCELERATOR TO PREVENT WHEEL SLIP (if
equipped) — Displayed when the vehicle senses that torque to the
drive wheels has overcome the available traction.
SHIFT DELAYED PULL FORWARD (if equipped) — May display
when shifting to or from 4X4 LOW. For more information, refer to
Four-wheel drive (4WD) operation in the Driving chapter.Instrument Cluster
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Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1
2
) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The
grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
WARNING: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A B C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C, representing the
tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 139. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.
WARNING: The temperature grade for this tire is established
for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure. Tires, Wheels and Loading
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12. Treadwear, Traction and Temperature Grades
• Treadwear: The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150
would wear one and one-half (1 1
2
) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100.
• Traction: The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B,
and C. The grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement
as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
• Temperature: The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
13. Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure: Indicates the tire
manufacturers’ maximum permissible pressure and/or the pressure at
which the maximum load can be carried by the tire. This pressure is
normally higher than the manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation
pressure which can be found on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label or Tire Label which is located on the B-Pillar or the edge of the
driver’s door. The cold inflation pressure should never be set lower than
the recommended pressure on the vehicle label.
The tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes or warnings such
as standard load, radial tubeless, etc. Tires, Wheels and Loading
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8. Remove the valve cap from the valve stem on the right rear tire;
decrease the air pressure until the horn sounds.
9. Remove the valve cap from the valve stem on the left rear tire;
decrease the air pressure until the horn sounds.
Training is complete after the horn sounds for the last tire trained
(driver’s side rear tire), the TPMS indicator stops flashing, and the
message center (if equipped) displays:
TRAINING COMPLETE .
10. Turn the ignition off. If two short horn beeps are heard, the reset
procedure was unsuccessful and must be repeated.
If after repeating the procedure and two short beeps are heard when the
ignition is turned to off, seek assistance from your authorized dealer.
11. Set all four tires to the recommended air pressure as indicated on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label or Tire Label located on the
B-Pillar or the edge of the driver’s door. See Vehicle loading - with and
without a trailer in this chapter for more information.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
WARNING: Snow tires must be the same size, load index, speed
rating as those originally provided by Ford. Use of any tire or
wheel not recommended by Ford can affect the safety and
performance of your vehicle, which could result in an increased risk of
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
Additionally, the use of non-recommended tires and wheels could
cause steering, suspension, axle or transfer case/power transfer unit
failure.
Note: Do not use snow chains on vehicles with 20 inch wheels and tires.
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use chains, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used, as chains may chip
aluminum wheels.
Note: The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when using
snow tires and chains. Tires, Wheels and Loading
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Pull the release lever to release the
parking brake. To prevent the pedal
from releasing too quickly, place
your left foot on the service brake
pedal, then slowly pull the release
lever until the pedal slowly releases.
Make sure that the pedal is fully
released. You may want to pull the
release lever again to make sure the
parking brake is fully released.
WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
If you’re parking your vehicle on a grade or with a trailer, press and hold
the brake pedal down, then set the parking brake. There may be a little
vehicle movement as the parking brake sets to hold the vehicle’s weight.
This is normal and should be no reason for concern. If needed, press and
hold the service brake pedal down, then try reapplying the parking
brake. Chock the wheels if required. If the parking brake cannot hold the
weight of the vehicle, the parking brake may need to be serviced or the
vehicle may be overloaded.
ENGINE ONLY TRACTION CONTROL (ALL DUAL REAR WHEEL
(DRW) VEHICLES)
This system helps you maintain the stability and steerability of your
vehicle, especially on slippery road surfaces such as snow- or ice-covered
roads and gravel roads. The system will allow your vehicle to make
better use of available traction in these conditions.
During traction control operation,
the traction control light will
illuminate and the engine will not
“rev-up” when you press further on
the accelerator. This is normal
system behavior and should be no
reason for concern. Also, if traction control is on when the vehicle is put
into four-wheel drive mode (if equipped), the traction control system will
be automatically disabled. Traction control operation will resume when
the vehicle is placed back into two-wheel drive mode.Driving
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