traction control FORD SUPER DUTY 2015 3.G User Guide

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoiddrive wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the systemapplies the brakes to individual wheelsand, when needed, reduces engine powerat the same time. If the wheels spin whenaccelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,the system reduces engine power in orderto increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
(Dual rear wheel vehicles only)
In certain situations (for example, stuck insnow or mud), it may be beneficial to turnthe traction control system off. This allowsthe wheels to spin with full engine power.
Turn the traction control system off bypressing the stability control buttonlocated on the instrument panel.
If you cannot turn the system off, see theMyKey chapter for more information.
Placing your vehicle into four-wheel drivemode automatically disables tractioncontrol. Traction control operation willresume when you place your vehicle backinto two-wheel drive mode.
Engine only traction control(Dual rear wheel vehicles only)
Traction control systemStability control OFFindicatorButton functions
EnabledNot illuminatedDefault at start-up
DisabledIlluminatedButton pressed momentarily
EnabledNot illuminatedButton pressed again afterdeactivation
DisabledIlluminatedTransfer case switched to4WD*
*Engaging 4WD automatically disables the traction control system.
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System Indicator Lights andMessages
WARNING
If a failure has been detected withinthe AdvanceTrac system, thestability control light will illuminatesteadily. Verify that the traction controlsystem was not manually disabled usingthe stability control button. If the stabilitycontrol light still illuminates steadily, havethe system serviced by an authorizeddealer immediately. Operating your vehiclewith traction control disabled could leadto an increased risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover, personal injury anddeath.
The stability control lighttemporarily illuminates onengine start-up and flasheswhen a driving condition activates thestability system.
The stability control off lighttemporarily illuminates onengine start-up and stays onwhen you turn the traction control systemoff, or if a problem occurs in the stabilitysystem.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
Vehicle modifications involvingbraking system, aftermarket roofracks, suspension, steering system,tire construction and wheel and tire sizemay change the handling characteristicsof your vehicle and may adversely affectthe performance of the AdvanceTracsystem. In addition, installing any stereoloudspeakers may interfere with andadversely affect the AdvanceTrac system.Install any aftermarket stereo loudspeakeras far as possible from the front centerconsole, the tunnel, and the front seats inorder to minimize the risk of interfering withthe AdvanceTrac sensors. Reducing theeffectiveness of the AdvanceTrac systemcould lead to an increased risk of loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rollover, personalinjury and death.
Remember that even advancedtechnology cannot defy the laws ofphysics. It’s always possible to losecontrol of a vehicle due to inappropriatedriver input for the conditions. Aggressivedriving on any road condition can causeyou to lose control of your vehicleincreasing the risk of personal injury orproperty damage. Activation of theAdvanceTrac system is an indication thatat least some of the tires have exceededtheir ability to grip the road; this couldreduce the operator’s ability to control thevehicle potentially resulting in a loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rollover, personalinjury and death. If your AdvanceTracsystem activates, SLOW DOWN.
The AdvanceTrac with Roll StabilityControl system helps you keep control ofyour vehicle when on a slippery surface.The electronic stability control portion ofthe system helps avoid skids and lateralslides and roll stability control helps avoida vehicle rollover. The traction controlsystem helps avoid drive wheel spin andloss of traction. See Using TractionControl (page 165).
Vehicle without AdvanceTracwith RSC skidding off itsintended route.
A
Vehicle with AdvanceTrac withRSC maintaining control on aslippery surface.
B
USING STABILITY CONTROL
AdvanceTrac® with Roll StabilityControl™ (RSC®)
(Single rear wheel vehicles only)
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The system automatically activates whenyou start your engine. The electronicstability control and roll stability controlportions of the system can be turned offbelow 35 mph (56 km/h) and are disabledwhen the transmission is in position R. SeeUsing Traction Control (page 165).
You can turn off the traction controlportion of the system independently. Pressthe stability control button located on theinstrument panel.
AdvanceTrac with RSC Features(Single rear wheels only)
Tractioncontrol systemElectronicstabilitycontrol
Roll stabilitycontrolStabilitycontrol lightButton func-tions
EnabledEnabledEnabledIlluminatedduring bulbcheck
Default at start-up
DisabledEnabled1EnabledIlluminatedsolidButton pressedmomentarily
DisabledDisabledDisabledFlashes thenilluminated
solid2
Button pressedand held formore than 5seconds atvehicle speedunder 35 mph(56 km/h)
DisabledEnabled 1EnabledIlluminatedsolidVehicle speedexceeds 35 mph(56 km/h) afterbutton ispressed andheld for morethan 5 seconds
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AdvanceTrac with RSC Features(Single rear wheels only)
EnabledEnabledEnabledNot illuminatedButton pressedagain afterdeactivation
DisabledDisabledDisabledIlluminatedTransfer caseswitched to
4WD Low 3
1Electronic stability control has reduced sensitivity compared to fully active system.2Lamp light starts blinking for four seconds after entering the press and hold state.3Engaging 4WD Low locked automatically disables roll stability control, electronic stabilitycontrol and the traction control system.
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•Transmissions give their best fueleconomy when operated in the topcruise gear and with steady pressureon the gas pedal.
•Four-wheel-drive operation (ifequipped) is less fuel efficient thantwo-wheel-drive operation.
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Note:Driving through deep water abovethe recommended levels can cause vehicledamage.
If driving through deep or standing wateris unavoidable, proceed very slowly. Neverdrive through water that is higher than thebottom of the wheel rims (for cars) or thebottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction orbrake capability may be limited. Also,water may enter your engine’s air intakeand severely damage your engine or yourvehicle may stall.
Once through the water, always dry thebrakes by moving your vehicle slowly whileapplying light pressure on the brake pedal.Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle asquickly as dry brakes.
FLOOR MATS
WARNINGS
Always use floor mats that aredesigned to fit the foot well of yourvehicle, leaving the pedal areaunobstructed, and which can be firmlysecured to retention posts so that theycannot slip out of position and interferewith the pedals or impair safe operation ofyour vehicle in other ways.
Incorrectly fitted floor mats cancause the accelerator pedal tobecome stuck in the open position.This can cause loss of vehicle control.
Always correctly install the floormats to the retention posts so thatthey cannot slip out of position orobstruct pedal operation.
Do not place unsecured floor matsor any other covering in the foot well.
Do not place additional floor matsor any other covering on top of theoriginal floor mats. This will reducethe pedal clearance and interfere with thepedal operation.
Do not allow objects to fall orbecome trapped under the pedals ofyour vehicle. This can cause loss ofvehicle control.
Carry out regular inspections to makesure the floor mats are secure.
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TIRE CARE
Information About UniformTire Quality Grading
Tire Quality Grades apply to newpneumatic passenger car tires.The Quality grades can be foundwhere applicable on the tiresidewall between tread shoulderand maximum section width. Forexample: Treadwear 200Traction AA Temperature A.
These Tire Quality Grades aredetermined by standards that theUnited States Department ofTransportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to newpneumatic passenger car tires.They do not apply to deep tread,winter-type snow tires,space-saver or temporary usespare tires, light truck or LT typetires, tires with nominal rimdiameters of 10 to 12 inches orlimited production tires as definedin Title 49 Code of FederalRegulations Part 575.104 (c)(2).
U.S. Department ofTransportation Tire qualitygrades: The U.S. Department ofTransportation requires FordMotor Company to give you thefollowing information about tiregrades exactly as the governmenthas written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is acomparative rating based on thewear rate of the tire when testedunder controlled conditions on aspecified government test course.For example, a tire graded 150would wear one and one-half (1½) times as well on thegovernment course as a tiregraded 100. The relativeperformance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of theiruse, however, and may departsignificantly from the norm due tovariations in driving habits, servicepractices, and differences in roadcharacteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
WARNING
The traction grade assignedto this tire is based onstraight-ahead braking tractiontests, and does not includeacceleration, cornering,hydroplaning or peak tractioncharacteristics
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The traction grades, from highestto lowest are AA, A, B, and C. Thegrades represent the tire’s abilityto stop on wet pavement asmeasured under controlledconditions on specifiedgovernment test surfaces ofasphalt and concrete. A tiremarked C may have poor tractionperformance.
Temperature A B C
WARNING
The temperature grade forthis tire is established for atire that is properly inflated andnot overloaded. Excessive speed,underinflation, or excessiveloading, either separately or incombination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
The temperature grades are A(the highest), B and C,representing the tire’s resistanceto the generation of heat and itsability to dissipate heat whentested under controlled conditionson a specified indoor laboratorytest wheel. Sustained hightemperature can cause thematerial of the tire to degenerateand reduce tire life, and excessivetemperature can lead to suddentire failure. The grade Ccorresponds to a level ofperformance which all passengercar tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Vehicle SafetyStandard No. 139. Grades B and Arepresent higher levels ofperformance on the laboratorytest wheel than the minimumrequired by law.
Glossary of Tire Terminology
*Tire label: A label showing theoriginal equipment tire sizes,recommended inflation pressureand the maximum weight thevehicle can carry.
*Tire Identification Number(TIN): A number on the sidewallof each tire providing informationabout the tire brand andmanufacturing plant, tire size anddate of manufacture. Also referredto as DOT code.
*Inflation pressure: A measureof the amount of air in a tire.
*Standard load: A class ofP-metric or Metric tires designedto carry a maximum load at setpressure. For example: ForP-metric tires 35 psi (2.4 bar) or36 (2.5 bar) depending on tire sizeand for Metric tires 36 psi (2.5bar). Increasing the inflationpressure beyond this pressure willnot increase the tire’s loadcarrying capability.
*Extra load: A class of P-metricor Metric tires designed to carry aheavier maximum load at 42 psi(2.9 bar). Increasing the inflationpressure beyond this pressure willnot increase the tire’s loadcarrying capability.
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mph ( km/h)Letterrating
168 mph (270 km/h)W
186 mph (299 km/h)Y
Note:For tires with a maximum
speed capability over 149 mph
(240 km/h), tire manufacturers
sometimes use the letters ZR. For
those with a maximum speed
capability over 186 mph (299
km/h), tire manufacturers always
use the letters ZR.
H.U.S. DOT Tire IdentificationNumber: This begins with theletters DOT and indicates that thetire meets all federal standards.The next two numbers or lettersare the plant code designatingwhere it was manufactured, thenext two are the tire size code andthe last four numbers representthe week and year the tire wasbuilt. For example, the numbers317 mean the 31st week of 1997.After 2000 the numbers go to fourdigits. For example, 2501 meansthe 25th week of 2001. Thenumbers in between areidentification codes used fortraceability. This information isused to contact customers if a tiredefect requires a recall.
I.M+S or M/S: Mud and Snow, or
AT: All Terrain, or
AS: All Season.
J.Tire Ply Composition andMaterial Used: Indicates thenumber of plies or the number oflayers of rubber-coated fabric inthe tire tread and sidewall. Tiremanufacturers also must indicatethe ply materials in the tire and thesidewall, which include steel,nylon, polyester, and others.
K.Maximum Load: Indicates themaximum load in kilograms andpounds that can be carried by thetire. (affixed to either the doorhinge pillar, door-latch post, or thedoor edge that meets thedoor-latch post, next to thedriver's seating position), or TireLabel located on the B-pillar orthe edge of the driver's door.
L.Treadwear, Traction andTemperature Grades:
*Treadwear The treadwear gradeis a comparative rating based onthe wear rate of the tire whentested under controlled conditionson a specified government testcourse. For example, a tire graded150 would wear 1½ times as wellon the government course as a tiregraded 100.
*Traction: The traction grades,from highest to lowest are AA, A,B, and C. The grades represent thetire's ability to stop on wetpavement as measured undercontrolled conditions on specifiedgovernment test surfaces ofasphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor tractionperformance.
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If your vehicle is equipped withdual rear wheels it isrecommended that the front andrear tires (in pairs) be rotated onlyside to side. We do notrecommend splitting up the dualrear wheels. Rotate them side toside as a set. After tire rotation,inflation pressures must beadjusted for the tires newpositions in accordance withvehicle requirements.
Sometimes irregular tire wear canbe corrected by rotating the tires.
USING SNOW CHAINS
WARNING
Snow tires must be the same size,load index, speed rating as thoseoriginally provided by Ford. Use ofany tire or wheel not recommended byFord can affect the safety andperformance of your vehicle, which couldresult in an increased risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover, personal injury anddeath. Additionally, the use ofnon-recommended tires and wheels couldcause steering, suspension, axle, transfercase or power transfer unit failure.
Note:Do not use snow chains on vehicleswith 20 inch wheels and tires.
The tires on your vehicle have all-weathertreads to provide traction in rain and snow.However, in some climates, you may needto use snow tires and cables. If you needto use cables, it is recommended that steelwheels (of the same size andspecifications) be used, as cables may chipaluminum wheels.
Note:The suspension insulation andbumpers will help prevent vehicle damage.Do not remove these components from yourvehicle when using snow tires and chains.
Follow these guidelines when using snowtires and chains:
•If possible, avoid fully loading yourvehicle
•Use only SAE Class S chains.
•Install chains securely, verifying thatthe chains do not touch any wiring,brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the chainsrub or bang against your vehicle, stopand retighten the chains. If this doesnot work, remove the chains to preventdamage to your vehicle.
•Remove the tire chains when they areno longer needed. Do not use tirechains on dry roads.
If you have any questions regarding snowchains or cables, please contact yourauthorized dealer.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM
WARNING
The tire pressure monitoring systemis not a substitute for manuallychecking tire pressure. The tirepressure should be checked periodically(at least monthly) using a tire gauge, seeInflating your tires in this chapter. Failureto properly maintain your tire pressurecould increase the risk of tire failure, lossof control, vehicle rollover and personalinjury.
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