Ford Low Cab Forward (Ford year). Manual — part 20

The TOW HAUL indicator light will
illuminate in the instrument cluster.

Tow/Haul delays upshifts to reduce frequency of transmission shifting.
Tow/Haul also provides engine braking in all forward gears when the
transmission is in the D (Overdrive) position; this engine braking will
slow the vehicle and assist the driver in controlling the vehicle when
descending a grade. Depending on driving conditions and load
conditions, the transmission may downshift, slow the vehicle and control
the vehicle speed when descending a hill, without the accelerator pedal
being pressed. The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based
upon the amount the brake pedal is depressed.

To deactivate the Tow/Haul feature and return to normal driving mode,
press the button on the side of the gearshift lever. The TOW HAUL light
will no longer be illuminated.

When you shut off and restart the engine, the transmission will
automatically return to normal D (Overdrive) mode (Tow/Haul OFF).

Note: The Tow/Haul feature will automatically deactivate when ABS
braking is required.

Do not use the Tow/Haul feature when driving in icy or slippery
conditions as the increased engine braking can cause the rear

wheels to slide and the vehicle to swing around with the possible loss
of vehicle control.

3 (Third)

Transmission starts and operates in third gear only.

Used for improved traction on slippery roads. Selecting 3 (Third)
provides engine braking.

2 (Second)

Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades.

1 (First)
• Provides maximum engine braking.
• Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
• The transmission will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; it

will downshift to a lower gear and then shift into 1 (First) when the
vehicle reaches slower speeds.

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Forced downshifts
• Allowed in

(Overdrive) or Drive.

• Depress the accelerator to the floor.
• Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.

Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.

Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.

VEHICLE USED AS A STATIONARY POWER SOURCE

Auxiliary equipment called power take-off, or PTO, is often added to the
engine or transmission to operate utility equipment. Examples include a
wheel-lift for tow trucks, tools for construction and cranes. PTO
applications draw auxiliary horsepower from the powertrain, often while
the vehicle is stationary. In this condition, there is limited cooling air
flow through the radiator and around the vehicle that normally occurs
when a vehicle is moving. Depending on the level and duration of
auxiliary horsepower draw, vehicle conditions and surrounding
environmental conditions and other factors, this can contribute to
elevated transmission fluid temperatures and result in accelerated fluid
deterioration, fuel vapor over-pressurization, and other concerns. Ford
trucks are fully qualified for stationary PTO operation for 10 minutes or
less of continuous operation.

Transmission Power Take-Off (PTO) Provision (if equipped)

Some vehicles with an automatic transmission may be equipped with a
“Transmission Power Take-Off Provision”. These vehicles have a special
transmission that includes a port on the left-hand side to mount an
aftermarket PTO, an internal PTO gear, and calibration for PTO usage.
The actual PTO and related equipment is not offered by Ford Motor
Company, but is installed by an aftermarket source. The PTO gear in the
transmission will drive the aftermarket PTO while driving the vehicle.
Therefore, some additional gear noise that may result is normal. Also, the
transmission upshift and downshift schedules will be reduced by about
15% and may result in a firmer shift feel during PTO mobile applications.

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A more complete description of PTO operation is discussed in the Ford
Truck Body Builders Layout Book, found at
www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas.

REAR AXLE INFORMATION

Axle operating temperature normally will not exceed 100°F (38°C). If
the operating temperature exceeds 230°F (110°C), the rate of axle
lubrication oxidation will increase and shorten the life of the lubricant
and seals, requiring axle lubrication changes to become more frequent to
preserve the axle. Extreme Pressure (EP) lubricants should not be run
consistently above 230°F (110°C).

Gross axle weight

Your truck has gross axle weight, gross vehicle weight and gross
combination weight ratings. Do not exceed these ratings.

Exceeding these ratings by overloading can cause component
failure resulting in property damage, personal injury or death.

Axle conversions

It is not recommended, or approved, for axle conversions to be
performed. However, it is understood that, on occasion, aftermarket
add-on axles are installed by others on the truck chassis which allow
operator control for weight transfer from other axles (i.e., air lift axles).

When operating a loaded vehicle, the driver must keep all
adjustable axles on the ground at all times, supporting their

share of the vehicle’s load. Failure to do so can overload other axles,
tires, wheels, springs, steering components, brakes and frames,
resulting in early component failure, loss of vehicle control, possible
property damage and personal injury.

VEHICLE LOADING

This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle and/or
trailer, to keep your loaded vehicle weight within its design rating
capability, with or without a trailer. Properly loading your vehicle will
provide maximum return of vehicle design performance. Before loading
your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining
your vehicle’s weight ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle’s
Vehicle Rating Decal. Every vehicle manufactured by Ford Motor

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Company is supplied with information on the Vehicle Rating Decal,
located on either the B-pillar or the driver’s door edge, listing the
maximum loading for the vehicle (GVWR), and its axle systems (GAWR)
at the tire-to-ground interface.

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) – is the maximum allowable
weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear). These
numbers are shown on the Vehicle Rating Decal located on the B-Pillar
or the edge of the driver’s door. The total load on each axle must never
exceed its GAWR.

Exceeding the axle weight rating limits listed on the Vehicle
Rating Decal could result in substandard vehicle handling or

performance, engine, transmission and/or structural damage, serious
damage to the vehicle, loss of control and personal injury.

Under no circumstances should your vehicle be loaded in excess of the
GVWR or GAWR. It is the operator’s responsibility to ensure that neither
the axle capacities, spring capacities, tire capacities nor the vehicle rated
GVWR is exceeded. For tire capacities, refer to Maintenance and
Specifications chapter.

Vehicle Curb Weight – is the weight of your new vehicle when you
picked it up from your dealer plus any aftermarket equipment.

GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) – is the Vehicle Curb Weight + cargo +
passengers.

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