tires FORD TRANSIT 2021 User Guide

WARNING: Exceeding the
Safety Compliance Certification
label vehicle weight limits can
adversely affect the
performance and handling of
your vehicle, cause vehicle
damage and can result in the
loss of control of your vehicle,
serious personal injury or death.
Maximum Loaded Trailer
Weight
Maximum loaded trailer weight is
the highest possible weight of a
fully loaded trailer the vehicle can
tow. Consult an authorized dealer
(or the RV and Trailer Towing
Guide available at an authorized
dealer) for more detailed
information.
GCWR (Gross Combined
Weight Rating)
GCWR is the maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle and the
loaded trailer, including all cargo
and passengers, that the vehicle
can handle without risking
damage. (Important: The towing
vehicle ’s braking system is rated
for operation at Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating, not at Gross
Combined Weight Rating.)
Separate functional brakes should be used for safe control of towed
vehicles and for trailers where the
Gross Combined Weight of the
towing vehicle plus the trailer
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating of the towing vehicle.
The gross combined weight must
never exceed the Gross Combined
Weight Rating.
Note:
For trailer towing
information refer to the RV and
Trailer Towing Guide available at
an authorized dealer. WARNING:
Do not exceed
the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the certification
label. WARNING:
Do not use
replacement tires with lower
load carrying capacities than the
original tires because they may
lower your vehicle's GVWR and
GAWR limitations. Replacement
tires with a higher limit than the
original tires do not increase the
GVWR and GAWR limitations. WARNING: Exceeding any
vehicle weight rating can
adversely affect the
performance and handling of
your vehicle, cause vehicle
damage and can result in the
loss of control of your vehicle,
serious personal injury or death.
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TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING: Towing trailers
beyond the maximum
recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of your
vehicle and could result in engine
damage, transmission damage,
structural damage, loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and personal injury. WARNING:
Do not exceed
the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the certification
label.
Note: See
Recommended
Towing Weights (page 235).
Your vehicle may have electrical
items, such as fuses or relays,
related to towing. See
Fuses
(page 263).
Your vehicle's load capacity
designation is by weight, not by
volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space when
loading a vehicle or trailer.
Towing a trailer places an extra
load on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires
and suspension. Inspect these
components periodically during,
and after, any towing operation. Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer
movement affects your vehicle
when driving:
•
Load the heaviest items closest
to the trailer floor.
• Load the heaviest items
centered between the left and
right side trailer tires.
• Load the heaviest items above
the trailer axles or just slightly
forward toward the trailer
tongue. Do not allow the final
trailer tongue weight to go
above or below 10-15% of the
loaded trailer weight.
• Select a ball mount with the
correct rise or drop and load
capacity. When both the
loaded vehicle and trailer are
connected, the trailer frame
should be level, or slightly
angled down toward your
vehicle, when viewed from the
side.
When driving with a trailer or
payload, a slight takeoff vibration
or shudder may be present due to
the increased payload weight.
Additional information regarding
proper trailer loading and setting
your vehicle up for towing is
located in another chapter of this
manual. See
Load Limit (page
229).
You can also find information in
the
RV & Trailer Towing Guide
available at your authorized
dealer, or online.
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5. If the trailer wheels lock, indicated by
squealing tires, reduce the gain setting.
If the trailer wheels turn freely, increase
the gain setting. Repeat steps four and
five until the gain setting is at a point just below trailer wheel lock. If towing
a heavier trailer, trailer wheel lock may
not be attainable even with the
maximum gain setting of 10.
System Warning Messages Action and Description
Message
Displays in response to faults sensed by the trailer brake
controller, accompanied by a single tone. If this message
appears, contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible
for diagnosis and repair. The controller may still function, but
performance may be degraded.
Trailer Brake Module
Fault
Displays when there is a short circuit on the electric brake
output wire. If the message displays, accompanied by a single
tone, with no trailer connected, the problem is with your
vehicle wiring between the trailer brake controller and the 7-
pin connector. If the message only displays with a trailer
connected, the problem is with the trailer wiring. Consult a
trailer dealer for assistance. This can be a short to ground,
for example a chaffed wire, short to voltage, for example a
pulled pin on trailer emergency breakaway battery or the
trailer brakes may be drawing too much current.
Wiring Fault on Trailer
Note: An authorized dealer can diagnose the trailer brake controller to determine exactly
which trailer fault has occurred. However, the Ford Warranty does not cover this diagnosis
if the fault is with the trailer.
Points to Remember
• Do not attempt removal of the trailer
brake controller without consulting the
Workshop Manual. Damage to the unit
may result.
• Adjust gain setting before using the
trailer brake controller for the first time.
• Adjust gain setting, using the procedure
above, whenever road, weather and
trailer or vehicle loading conditions
change from when the gain was initially
set. •
Only use the manual control lever for
correct adjustment of the gain during
trailer setup. Misuse, such as
application during trailer sway, could
cause instability of trailer or tow
vehicle.
• Avoid towing in adverse weather
conditions. The trailer brake controller
does not provide anti-lock control of
the trailer wheels. Trailer wheels can
lock up on slippery surfaces, resulting
in instability of trailer or tow vehicle.
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•
If your vehicle is fitted with
AdvanceTrac with roll stability control
(RSC), this system may turn on during
typical cornering maneuvers with a
heavily loaded trailer. This is normal.
Turning the corner at a slower speed
while towing may reduce this tendency.
• If you are towing a trailer frequently in
hot weather, hilly conditions, at the
gross combined weight rating (or any
combination of these factors), consider
refilling your vehicle's rear axle with
synthetic gear lubricant (if the axle is
not already filled with it). See
Capacities and Specifications (page
352).
• Allow more distance for stopping with
a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
brake gradually.
• Avoid parking on a grade. However, if
you must park on a grade:
•Turn the steering wheel to point
your vehicle tires away from traffic
flow.
• Set your vehicle parking brake.
• Place the automatic transmission
in position park (
P).
• Place wheel chocks in front of and
at the back of the trailer wheels.
(Trailer wheel chocks are not
included with your vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or
Personal Water Craft (PWC)
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.
• Do not allow waves to break higher
than
6 in (15 cm) above the bottom
edge of the rear bumper.
Note: Disconnect the wiring to the trailer
before backing the trailer into the water. Note:
Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after the trailer is removed from the water.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to
enter vehicle components:
• Causing internal damage to the
components.
• Affecting driveability, emissions, and
reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime
the rear axle has been submerged in water.
Water may have contaminated the rear
axle lubricant, which is not normally
checked or changed unless a leak is
suspected or other axle repair is required.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
If you need to tow your vehicle, contact a
professional towing service or, if you are a
member of a roadside assistance program,
your roadside assistance service provider.
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BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires for
approximately 300 mi (480 km). During
this time, your vehicle may exhibit some
unusual driving characteristics. The engine
also needs to break in. Avoid hard
accelerations and driving too fast for the
first 1,000 mi (1,600 km). If possible, avoid
carrying heavy loads up steep grades
during the break-in period.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER WARNING:
Do not drive through
flowing or deep water as you may lose
control of your vehicle.
Note: Driving through standing water can
cause vehicle damage.
Note: Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,
check the depth. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the wheel
hubs. When driving through standing water, drive
very slowly and do not stop your vehicle.
Your brake performance and traction may
be limited. After driving through water and
as soon as it is safe to do so: •
Lightly press the brake pedal to dry the
brakes and to check that they work.
• Check that the horn works.
• Check that the exterior lights work.
• Turn the steering wheel to check that
the steering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS WARNING:
Use a floor mat
designed to fit the footwell of your
vehicle that does not obstruct the pedal
area. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death. WARNING:
Pedals that cannot
move freely can cause loss of vehicle
control and increase the risk of serious
personal injury. WARNING:
Secure the floor mat
to both retention devices so that it
cannot slip out of position and interfere
with the pedals. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death. WARNING: Do not place additional
floor mats or any other covering on top
of the original floor mats. This could
result in the floor mat interfering with the
operation of the pedals. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death. WARNING:
Always make sure that
objects cannot fall into the driver foot
well while your vehicle is moving. Objects
that are loose can become trapped
under the pedals causing a loss of
vehicle control.
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Body
•
Wash your vehicle thoroughly to
remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from
exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housing
and the underside of front fenders.
• Periodically wash your vehicle if it is
stored in exposed locations.
• Touch-up exposed or primed metal to
prevent rust.
• Cover chrome and stainless steel parts
with a thick coat of auto wax to prevent
discoloration. Re-wax as necessary
when you wash your vehicle.
• Lubricate all hood, door and luggage
compartment hinges and latches with
a light grade oil.
• Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
• Keep all rubber parts free from oil and
solvents.
Engine
• Change the engine oil and filter prior to
storage because used engine oil
contains contaminates which may
cause engine damage.
• Start the engine every 15 days for a
minimum of 15 minutes. Run at fast idle
with the climate controls set to defrost
until the engine reaches normal
operating temperature.
• With your foot on the brake, shift
through all the gears while the engine
is running.
• We recommend that you change the
engine oil before you use your vehicle
again.
Fuel system
• Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the
fuel pump nozzle. Cooling system
•
Protect against freezing temperatures.
• When removing your vehicle from
storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm that there are no cooling
system leaks and that fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
• Check and recharge as necessary. Keep
connections clean.
• If storing your vehicle for more than 30
days without recharging the battery,
we recommend that you disconnect
the battery cables to maintain battery
charge for quick starting.
Note: It is necessary to reset memory
features if battery cables are disconnected.
Brakes
• Make sure the brakes and parking brake
release fully.
Tires
• Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
• Make sure all linkages, cables, levers
and pins under your vehicle are covered
with grease to prevent rust.
• Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m)
every 15 days to lubricate working parts
and prevent corrosion.
Removing Vehicle From Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of
storage, do the following:
• Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt
or grease film build-up on window
surfaces.
• Check windshield wipers for any
deterioration.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Notice to Utility Vehicle, Van and
Truck Owners
WARNING: Utility vehicles have a
significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles. To reduce the
risk of serious injury or death from a
rollover or other crash you must avoid
sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers, drive
at safe speeds for the conditions, keep
tires properly inflated, never overload or
improperly load your vehicle, and make
sure every passenger is properly
restrained. WARNING:
In a rollover crash, an
unbelted person is significantly more
likely to die than a person wearing a seat
belt. All occupants must wear seat belts.
Children and infants must use
appropriate restraints to minimize the
risk of injury or ejection. Utility vehicles and trucks handle
differently than passenger cars in the
various driving conditions that are
encountered on streets, highways and
off-road. Utility vehicles and trucks are not
designed for cornering at speeds as high
as passenger cars any more than low-slung
sports cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road conditions.
How Your Vehicle Differs from
Other Vehicles
Sport-utility vehicles, vans and trucks can
differ from some other vehicles in a few
noticeable ways. Your vehicle may be:
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•
Higher - to allow higher load carrying
capacity and to allow it to travel over
rough terrain without getting hung up
or damaging underbody components.
• Shorter - to give it the capability to
approach inclines and drive over the
crest of a hill without getting hung up
or damaging underbody components.
All other things held equal, a shorter
wheelbase may make your vehicle
quicker to respond to steering inputs
than a vehicle with a longer wheelbase.
• Narrower - to provide greater
maneuverability in tight spaces,
particularly in off-road use. As a result of the above dimensional
differences, sport-utility vehicles, vans and
trucks often will have a higher center of
gravity and a greater difference in center
of gravity between the loaded and
unloaded condition.
These differences that make your vehicle
so versatile also make it handle differently
than an ordinary passenger car. TIRE SEALANT AND INFLATOR
KIT WARNING: Do not use the inflator
kit on run flat tires. This could cause loss
of vehicle control. WARNING: Depending on the type
and extent of tire damage, some tires
can only be partially sealed or not sealed
at all. Loss of tire pressure can affect
vehicle handling, leading to loss of
vehicle control. WARNING:
Do not use the kit on a
previously damaged tire, for example
when it has been driven under inflated.
This could cause loss of vehicle control,
personal injury or death.
Note: Motorhome owners may have to
follow separate instructions issued with the
temporary mobility kit.
If your vehicle does not have a spare wheel
it has a tire sealant and inflator kit. The kit
is in the right-hand side stepwell. Only use
the kit supplied with your vehicle.
Note: : The kit can only temporarily repair
one tire puncture with a maximum puncture
size of up to 0.24 in (6 mm).
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Protective cap
A
Pressure relief valve
B
Hose
C
Pressure gauge
D
Power plug with cable
E
Compressor switch
F
Label
G
Sealant bottle
H
Note: Make sure you regularly check the
expiry date on the sealant bottle. If the low tire pressure warning
lamp illuminates do the
following:
1. Gradually reduce the vehicle speed and
stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe
to do so.
2. Apply the parking brake and switch the
ignition off. 3. Check for a punctured tire.
Note:
Do not remove objects, for example
nails or screws from a punctured tire.
Using the Tire Sealant and Inflator
Kit WARNING: Check the sidewall of
the tire prior to inflation. If there are any
cracks, bumps or similar damage, do not
attempt to inflate the tire. This could
cause personal injury. WARNING:
Watch the sidewall of
the tire when inflating. If any cracks,
bumps or similar damage appears,
switch the compressor off and let the air
out by means of the pressure relief valve.
Do not continue driving with this tire. This
could cause loss of vehicle control. WARNING:
Do not stand directly
beside the tire while the compressor is
operating. This could cause personal
injury if the tire bursts. WARNING:
Do not leave the kit
unattended when it is in use. Failure to
follow this instruction could result in
personal injury or death. WARNING:
Do not keep the
compressor operating for more than 10
minutes. This could cause the
compressor to malfunction causing
serious personal injury. WARNING:
The sealant contains
natural rubber latex. Avoid contact with
skin and clothing. If this happens, rinse
the affected areas immediately with
plenty of water and consult a physician.
1. Open the lid of the tire sealant and inflator kit.
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C
D
F
B
H
E
G
E146784

2. Peel off the label G showing the
maximum permissible speed of 50
mph (80 km/h) from the casing and
attach it to the instrument panel in the
driver ’s field of view. Make sure the
label does not obscure anything
important.
3. Take the hose C and the power plug with cable E out of the temporary
mobility kit.
4. Screw the hose C onto the sealant bottle.
5. Remove the valve cap from the damaged tire.
6. Remove the protective cap A from the sealant bottle hose and screw the hose
firmly onto the valve of the damaged
tire.
7. Make sure that the compressor switch
F is in position 0.
8. Insert the power plug E into the auxiliary power point. See Auxiliary
Power Points (page 138).
9. Start the engine.
10. Move the compressor switch F to position 1.
11. After a minimum of two minutes move the compressor switch F to
position 0 and unscrew the hose C
from the sealant bottle. Unscrew the
sealant bottle hose from the tire
valve.
12. Screw the hose C onto the tire valve and move the compressor switch F
to position 1.
13. Inflate the tire to the recommended inflation pressure, but do not use the
inflator for longer than 10 minutes.
Move the compressor switch F to
position 0 and check the current tire
pressure with pressure gauge D.
Unscrew the hose C from the tire
valve. 14. Remove the power plug E from the
auxiliary power point.
15. Make sure the tire sealant and inflator
kit, the bottle lid and the orange cap
are stored safely, but still easily
accessible in your vehicle. The tire
sealant and inflator kit will be
required again when you check the
tire pressure.
16. Immediately drive approximately six miles (10 kilometers) so that the
sealant can seal the damaged area.
Note: When pumping in the sealant through
the tire valve, the pressure may rise up to 87
psi (6 bar) but will drop again after about
30 seconds.
Note: : If the tire pressure has dropped to
26 psi (1.8 bar) or below, the tire could be
damaged beyond a temporary repair. Have
your vehicle immediately checked. Do not
drive your vehicle.
Note: If the tire pressure has dropped but
is still above 26 psi (1.8 bar), use the kit to
inflate the tire again.
After Using the Tire Sealant and
Inflator Kit WARNING:
If you experience any
unusual vibration, ride disturbance or
noise while driving, reduce your speed
until you can safely pull off to the side of
the road and call for roadside assistance.
Failure to do so could cause you to lose
control of your vehicle and increase the
risk of personal injury or death.
1. Stop your vehicle after driving approximately six miles (10
kilometers). Check, and where
necessary, adjust the pressure of the
damaged tire.
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