Ford E-350 (2012 year). Manual — part 45

Trailer lamps

Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Contact
your authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions
and equipment for hooking-up trailer lamps.

Driving while you tow

When towing a trailer:
• Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles

(800 km) of trailer towing and don’t make full-throttle starts.

• Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off

automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.

• Consider turning overdrive off (4–speed transmissions) or using the

tow/haul feature (5–speed transmissions) to eliminate excessive
shifting and assist in transmission cooling. For additional information,
refer to Automatic transmission operation in the Driving chapter.

• Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached; anticipate

stops and brake gradually.

When descending long, steep downhill grades, always use a lower gear to
provide engine braking to save wear on brakes. Use D (Overdrive OFF)
on moderately steep hills, 2 (Second) on steep hills, and 1 (First) on
very steep hills. Do not apply your brakes continuously, as they
may overheat and become less effective.

Trailer towing tips
• Practice turning, stopping and backing-up before starting on a trip to

get the feel of the vehicle-trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.

• To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot

weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).

• After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your

hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.

• If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly

conditions, at GCWR, or any combination of these factors, consider
refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lube if not already so
equipped. Refer to the Maintenance and Specifications chapter for
the lubricant specification. Remember that regardless of the rear axle
lube used, do not tow a trailer for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of a
new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles (800 km) of towing be done
at no faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) with no full throttle starts.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

182

• Do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) after changing

the rear axle lube.

• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must

park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.

Launching or retrieving a boat

Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.

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.

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 any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.

RECREATIONAL TOWING

Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational (RV) towing.
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind
a motor home.

In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, please refer to
Wrecker towing in the Roadside Emergencies chapter.

These guidelines are designed to prevent damage to your vehicle.

Do not tow your vehicle with any wheels on the ground, as vehicle or
transmission damage may occur. It is recommended to tow your vehicle
with all four (4) wheels off the ground such as when using a car-hauling
trailer. Otherwise, no recreational towing is permitted.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

183

STARTING

Positions of the ignition

1. Accessory — allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running.

2. Lock — locks the automatic
transmission gearshift lever and
allows key removal.

3. Off — shuts off the engine and all
accessories without locking the
steering wheel. Note: In order to switch off the engine while the vehicle
is in motion, shift to neutral and use the brakes to bring the vehicle to a
safe stop. After the vehicle has stopped, turn the engine off and shift
into park. Then, turn the key to the accessory or off position.

4. On — all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.

5. Start — cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.

Note: Do not store the key in the ignition after the vehicle is turned off
and you have left the vehicle. This could cause a drain on the battery.

Preparing to start your vehicle

Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system.

This system meets all Canadian interference-causing equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.

When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the engine in this chapter.

WARNING: Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce
very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,

creating the risk of fire or other damage.

3

1

2

5

4

Driving

184

WARNING: Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the

engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.

WARNING: Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in
other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open

the garage door before you start the engine. See Guarding against
exhaust fumes in this chapter for more instructions.

WARNING: If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you

smell exhaust fumes.

Important safety precautions

When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine. If
the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle
checked. If your vehicle is operated in a heavy snow storm or blowing
snow conditions, the engine air induction may become partially clogged
with snow and/or ice. If this occurs, the engine may experience a
significant reduction in power output. At the earliest opportunity, clear
all the snow and/or ice away from the air induction inlet.

Before starting the vehicle:

1. Make sure all occupants buckle their safety belts. For more
information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the Seating
and Safety Restraints chapter.

2. Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.
• Make sure the parking brake is

set.

Driving

185