Ford E-250 (2006 year). Manual — part 36

over-spinning. When the brakes have cooled down, the system will again
function normally. Anti-lock braking is not affected by this condition and
will function normally during the cool-down period.

The AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC system enhances your vehicle’s stability

during maneuvers that require all available tire traction, like in
wet/snowy/icy road conditions and/or when performing emergency
maneuvers. In an emergency lane-change, the driver will experience
better overall vehicle traction, and have better control of the vehicle.

The AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC system helps the driver maintain steering

control if the vehicle begins to slide excessively left or right or spin out.
AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC will attempt to correct the sliding motion by

applying brake force at individual tires and, if necessary, by reducing
engine power.

Driving conditions which may activate AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC system

include:
• Taking a turn too fast.
• Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle.
• Hitting a patch of ice.
• Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road.
• Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice

versa.

• Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa.
• Hitting a curb while turning.
• Driving on slick surfaces.
• Cornering while towing a heavily loaded trailer (refer to Trailer

towing in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter.)

The RSC system works in conjunction with the AdvanceTrac

威 system to

further enhance the vehicle’s overall stability during aggressive
maneuvers. The system helps maintain roll stability of the vehicle during
aggressive maneuvers by applying brake force to one or more wheels.

Driving conditions that may activate Roll Stability Control include:
• Emergency lane-change
• Taking a turn too fast
• Quick maneuvering to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
The AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC system automatically turns on when the

engine is started. However, the system does not function when the

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vehicle is traveling in R (Reverse). In R (Reverse), ABS and the traction
enhancement feature will continue to function.

The AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC button

allows the driver to control the
availability of the AdvanceTrac

威

with RSC system. AdvanceTrac

威

with RSC system status is indicated
by a warning indicator light with a
“sliding car” icon in the instrument
cluster that will flash when the system is active and an indicator light in
the control button that will illuminate when the system is turned off.

The AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC system warning indicator light may flash to

indicate the system is not fully initialized. If this happens, slow down. If
the light continues flashing, have the AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC system

serviced by an authorized dealer.

If a failure is detected in the AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC system, the

warning indicator light in the instrument cluster will stay on and the
instrument cluster will chime repeatedly. If the warning indicator light in
the instrument cluster remains on and the chime is active while the
engine is running, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately.

Pressing the control will disable the AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC system and

the traction enhancement feature at and below 20 mph (32 km/h). If the
vehicle is stuck in snow or mud or when driving in deep sand, switching
off the AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC system may be beneficial so the wheels

are allowed to spin. If your vehicle seems to lose engine power while
driving in deep sand or very deep snow and the vehicle speed is 20 mph
(32 km/h) or below, switching off the AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC stability

enhancement feature will restore full engine power and will enhance
momentum through the obstacle.

Note: The AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC system will automatically restore to

full functionality every time the vehicle speed exceeds 20 mph (32 km/h)
or the ignition is turned off and back on. However, the AdvanceTrac

威

with RSC button remains illuminated even above 20 mph (32 km/h) until
it is pressed.

Some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake pedal when the
AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC performs a system self-check. During

AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC operation you may experience the following:

• A rumble or grinding noise
• A slight deceleration of the vehicle

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146

• Steering feedback
• The AdvanceTrac威 with RSC indicator light will flash
• If your foot is on the brake pedal, you will feel a vibration in the

pedal.

All these conditions are normal during AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC

operation.

Do not alter or modify your vehicle’s suspension, steering or
tires; the resulting changes to the vehicle’s handling can
adversely affect the AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC system. Also, do not

install a stereo loudspeaker. The speaker vibrations can adversely
affect the AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC sensors.

Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal

injury or property damage. The occurrence of a AdvanceTrac

威 with

RSC event is an indication that at least some of the tires have
exceeded their ability to grip the road; this may lead to an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and
death. If you experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.

STEERING

To prevent damage to the power steering system:
• Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it

stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.

• Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level

(If the fluid level is below the FULL COLD range on the dipstick).

If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.

If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
• an improperly inflated tire
• uneven tire wear
• loose or worn suspension components
• loose or worn steering components
• improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.

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TRACTION-LOK AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok axle functions like a standard rear axle. The axle may
exhibit a slight noise or vibration in tight turns with low vehicle speed.
This is normal behavior and indicates the axle is working.
PREPARING TO DRIVE

Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.

In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely
to die than a person wearing a seat belt.

Your vehicle has larger tires and increased ground clearance, giving the
vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car.

Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a

lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles 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. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.

Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle
differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions such as

slower speeds and increased stopping distance should be taken when
driving a heavily loaded vehicle.

Vehicle stability and handling
The risk of a rollover crash increases as the number of people and load
in the vehicle increase. This increased risk occurs because the passenger
weight and load raises the vehicle’s center of gravity and causes it to
shift rearward. As a result, the van has less resistance to rollover and
handles differently from other commonly driven passenger vehicles,
making it more difficult to control in an emergency situation. Placing any
load on the roof also raises the center of gravity and increases the
potential for rollover.

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