traction control FORD SUPER DUTY 2003 1.G Owners Manual

These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
SafetyAlert
See Owner’s Guide
Fasten SafetyBeltAir Bag-Front
Air Bag-SideChild Seat
Child Seat Installation
WarningChild Seat Lower
Anchor
Child Seat Tether
AnchorBrake System
Anti-Lock Brake SystemBrake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum Based
Traction ControlAdvanceTrac
Master Lighting SwitchHazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-FrontFuse Compartment
Fuel Pump ResetWindshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/DemistRear Window
Defrost/Demist
Introduction
8

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
Driving
114

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
Driving
119

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.
Driving
120

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.
Driving
121

•Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
These Tire QualityGrades are determined bystandards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.
Tire QualityGrades applyto new pneumatic tires for use on passenger
cars. Theydo not applyto deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporaryuse spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the following
information about tire grades exactlyas the government has written it.
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 maydepart significantlyfrom 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 abilityto stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C mayhave poor traction
performance.
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 abilityto 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
Maintenance and Specifications
222

Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size, type,
speed rating, load-carrying capacity and tread design (e.g., “All
Terrain”, “Touring”, etc.), as originallyoffered byFord.
Do not replace your tires with “high performance” tires or larger
size tires.
Failure to follow these precautions mayadverselyaffect the
handling of the vehicle, and increase the risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle’s original tires may also
affect the accuracyof your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currentlyhave on your vehicle.
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 maychip
aluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•Use onlySAE Class S chains.
•Install chains securely, verify ing that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
•If possible, avoid fullyloading your vehicle.
•Remove the tire chains when theyare no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dryroads.
•The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
Maintenance and Specifications
227

fluid, refill capacity................228
fluid, specifications .........232, 235
Power Windows ...........................47
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................105
R
Radio ..........................17–18, 21, 25
Relays ........................................154
Remote entrysystem .................58
illuminated entry......................60
locking/unlocking doors ...........56
Reverse sensing system ...........111
Roadside assistance ..................152
S
Safetybelts (see Safety
restraints) ........................68–71, 73
Safetydefects, reporting ..........183
Safetyrestraints ....................68–73
belt minder ...............................74
cleaning the safetybelts ..........78
extension assembly..................78
for adults .............................69–71
for children .........................87–88
warning light and chime ..........74
Safetyseats for children ............90
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................................68
Seats ............................................63
child safetyseats ......................90
cleaning ...................................188
Servicing your vehicle ..............191
Snowplowing .................6, 148–150Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........159
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................228, 235
Special notice ................................7
ambulance conversions ..............6
diesel-powered vehicles .............6
four-wheel drive vehicles .......151
utility-type vehicles ....................6
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................232, 235
Speed control ..............................48
Starting your vehicle ....98–99, 101
jump starting ..........................168
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................45
T
Tailgate ........................................55
Tires ...................................221–223
changing ..........................159, 161
checking the pressure ............223
replacing ..................................226
rotating ....................................224
snow tires and chains ............227
tire grades ...............................222
treadwear ................................222
Towing .......................................127
trailer towing ..........................127
wrecker ....................................173
Traction-lok rear axle ...............105
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................220
Transmission
automatic operation ...............106
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................216
Index
253