wheel FORD SUPER DUTY 2003 1.G User Guide

Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fullyreleased, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes maynot be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transmission
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
•Depress the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securelylatch it in P (Park)
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
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FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
For important information regarding safe operation of this type
of vehicle, seePreparing to drive your vehiclein this chapter.
Four–wheel drive (4WD) supplies power to all four wheels. 4WD should
not be operated on drypavement; driveline damage mayoccur.
If equipped with the Electronic Shift 4WD System, and 4WD Low
is selected while the vehicle is moving, the 4WD system will not
engage. This is normal and should be no reason for concern.Refer
toShifting to/from 4WD Lowfor proper operation.
The 4WD system also uses hub locks that can be engaged and
disengaged based on the 4WD mode selected. Refer toFront wheel hub
locks (if equipped)for more information.
4WD system indicator lights
•4X4- illuminates when 4WD High
is selected.
•LOW RANGE- illuminates when
4WD Low is selected.
Front wheel hub locks (if equipped)
4x4
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Engage or disengage the 4WD system by:
•rotating the control for both front wheel hub locks from the FREE or
LOCK position, then
•manuallyengage or disengage the transfer case with the floor-mounted
shifter
For increased fuel economyin 2WD, rotate both hub locks to the FREE
position.
For proper operation, make sure that the arrow and the indicator
dot on the hub are aligned, and that both hub locks are set to the
same position (both set to LOCK or both set to FREE).
Using a manual 4WD system (if equipped)
2H (2WD High)– Power to the rear wheels only; used for street and
highwaydriving.
4H (4WD High)– Used for extra traction such as in snow or icyroads
or in off-road situations. Not intended for use on drypavement.
N (Neutral)– No power to either front or rear wheels.
4L (4WD Low)– Uses extra gearing to provide maximum power to all
four wheels at reduced speeds. Intended onlyfor off-road applications
such as deep sand, steep grades or pulling heavyobjects. 4L (4WD Low)
will not engage while the vehicle is moving; this is normal and should be
no reason for concern. Refer toShifting to/from 4L (4WD Low)for
proper operation.
Shifting between 2H (2WD high) and 4H (4WD high)
•Move the transfer case lever to 4H (4WD High) at a stop or any
forward speed up to 88 km/h (55 mph).
Note:Do not perform this operation at speeds above 72 km/h (45 mph)
if the outside temperature is below 0°C (32°F).
2H
4H
4L N
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Note:Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Shifting to/from 4L (4WD Low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Depress the brake.
3. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, place the
transmission in N (Neutral); on vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission, depress the clutch.
4. Move the transfer case lever through N (Neutral) directlyto the
desired position. The LOW RANGE indicator will illuminate once the
transfer case has engaged.
•If the transfer casedoes notengage, repeat steps 1 through 4.
Using the N (Neutral) position
The transfer case N (Neutral) position overrides the transmission
and puts the vehicle in neutral regardless of transmission
gearshift lever position. The vehicle can move forward or
backward.
This position should onlybe used when towing the vehicle.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
N (Neutral) position. Always set the parking brake fully and turn
off the ignition when leaving the vehicle.
Using the electronic shift 4WD system (if equipped)
2WD (2WD High)- Power to the rear wheels only; used for street and
highwaydriving.
4X4 HIGH (4WD High)- Used for extra traction such as in snow or icy
roads or in off-road situations. Not intended for use on drypavement.
2WD4X4
HIGH4X4
LOW
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4X4 LOW (4WD Low)- Uses extra gearing to provide maximum power
to all four wheels. Intended onlyfor off-road applications such as deep
sand, steep grades or pulling heavyobjects. 4L (4WD Low) will not
engage while the vehicle is moving; this is normal and should be no
reason for concern. Refer toShifting to/from 4L (4WD Low)for proper
operation.
Shifting between 2WD (2WD High) and 4X4 HIGH (4WD High)
•Move the 4WD control between 2WD and 4X4 HIGH at anyforward
speed.
Note:Do not perform this operation at speeds above 72 km/h (45 mph)
if the outside temperature is below 0°C (32°F).
Note:Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Shifting to/from 4X4 LOW (4WD Low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop
2. Depress the brake
3. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, place the
transmission in N (Neutral); on vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission, depress the clutch.
4. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.
•If shifting into 4X4 LOW (4WD Low), wait for the LOW RANGE light
in the instrument cluster to turnonindicating the shift is complete.
•If shifting out of 4X4 LOW (4WD Low), wait for the LOW RANGE light
in the instrument cluster to turnoffindicating the shift is complete.
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
4WD vehicles are speciallyequipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
Truck and utilityvehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your
vehicle maybe higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without
getting hung up or damaging underbodycomponents.
The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle
differentlythan an ordinarypassenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especiallyin rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel
motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
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Drive cautiouslyto avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.
You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. To maintain
steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four
wheels on the ground and theymust be rolling, not sliding or spinning.
Basic operating principles
•Do not use 4WD on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so will produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and maydamage drive components.
4WD modes are onlyintended for consistentlyslipperyor loose
surfaces.
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
•Be extremelycareful when driving on pavement made slipperyby
loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but
avoid severe brake application, ease the vehicle back onto the
pavement onlyafter reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharplywhile returning to the road surface.
•It maybe safer to stayon the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down graduallybefore returning to the pavement. You maylose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharplyor abruptly.
•It often maybe less riskyto strike small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or roll over. Remember, your safety and the
safetyof others should be your primaryconcern.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravitysuch as utilityand
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differentlythan vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars anymore
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorilyunder
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiouslycould result in
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injuryand death.
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If your vehicle gets stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steadypattern. Press lightlyon the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fullyreleased, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes maynot be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Do not spin the wheels at over 56 km/h (35 mph). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Refer toTransmission temperature gaugein theInstrument cluster
chapter for transmission fluid temperature information.
Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergencysituation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle, i.e.,
turn the steering wheel onlyas rapidlyand as far as required to avoid
the emergency. Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergencystop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt anysharp steering wheel movements.
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Vehicles with a higher center of gravitysuch as utilityand
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differentlythan vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars anymore
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorilyunder
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiouslycould result in
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injuryand death.
•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the waythe vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
Parking
On some 4WD vehicles, when the transfer case is in the N (Neutral)
position, the engine and transmission are disconnected from the rest of
the driveline. Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if the automatic
transmission is in P (Park) or the manual transmission is in gear. Do not
leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N (Neutral)
position. Always set the parking brake fully and turn off the ignition
when leaving the vehicle.
4WD Systems
4WD (when you select a 4WD mode), uses all four wheels to power the
vehicle. This increases traction, enabling you to drive over terrain and
road conditions that a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
Power is supplied to all four wheels
through a transfer case. On 4WD
vehicles, the transfer case allows
you to select 4WD when necessary.
Information on transfer case
operation and shifting procedures
can be found in theDriving
chapter. Information on transfer
case maintenance can be found in theMaintenance and specifications
chapter. You should become thoroughlyfamiliar with this information
before you operate your vehicle.
Normal characteristics
On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4x4 while
the vehicle is moving can cause some momentaryclunk and ratcheting
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sounds. This is the front drivetrain coming up to speed and the
automatic locking hubs engaging and is not cause for concern.
Sand
When driving over sand, tryto keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadilythrough the terrain. Applythe accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
If you must reduce the tire pressure for whatever reason in sand, make
sure you re-inflate the tires as soon as possible.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capabilitymaybe limited.
When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs
(if possible) and proceed slowly. If
the ignition system gets wet, the
vehicle maystall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectivelyas drybrakes. Drying can be improved bymoving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, applythe accelerator slowlyand avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
Refer toTransmission temperature gaugein theInstrument cluster
chapter for transmission fluid temperature information.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
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After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Companyjoins the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and
other public and private lands by“treading lightly.”
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Although natural obstacles maymake it necessaryto travel diagonallyup
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down.Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes or hills. A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possiblyrolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill,
start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a
higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the
engine and the possibilityof stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to
turn around because you might roll
over. It is better to back down to a
safe location.
Applyjust enough power to the
wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip,
spin or lose traction, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
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