Ford E-350 (2018 year). Manual — part 28

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

Emergency Towing

WARNING

If your vehicle has a steering wheel
lock make sure the ignition is in the
accessory or on position when being

towed.

You can flat-tow (all wheels on the
ground, regardless of the powertrain or
transmission configuration) your disabled
vehicle (without access to wheel dollies
or vehicle transport trailer) under the
following conditions:
•

Your vehicle is facing forward so you
tow it in a forward direction.

•

You shift into Neutral (N). If you cannot
shift into Neutral (N), you may need to
override the transmission. See
Transmission (page 86).

•

Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).

•

Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).

Recreational Towing

Note: Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering the vehicle. See
Climate Control (page 64).

Follow these guidelines if you have a need
for recreational (RV) towing. An example
of recreational towing would be towing
your vehicle behind a motorhome. These
guidelines are to make sure you do not
damage the transmission during towing.

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 wheels off
the ground, for example when using a
vehicle transport trailer. Otherwise, you
cannot tow your vehicle.

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.

Avoid driving too fast during the first
1,000 mi (1,600 km). Vary your speed
frequently and change up through the
gears early. Do not labor the engine.

Do not tow during the first 1,000 mi
(1,600 km).

REDUCED ENGINE
PERFORMANCE

WARNING

If you continue to drive your vehicle
when the engine is overheating, the
engine could stop without warning.

Failure to follow this instruction could
result in the loss of control of your vehicle.

If the engine coolant temperature gauge
needle moves to the upper limit position,
the engine is overheating. See Gauges
(page 51).

You must only drive your vehicle for a short
distance if the engine overheats. The
distance you can travel depends on
ambient temperature, vehicle load and
terrain. The engine continues to operate
with limited power for a short period of
time.

If the engine temperature continues to rise,
the fuel supply to the engine reduces. The
air conditioning switches off and the engine
cooling fan operates continually.

1.

Gradually reduce your speed and stop
your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so.

2. Immediately switch the engine off to

prevent severe engine damage.

3. Wait for the engine to cool down.

4. Check the coolant level. See Engine

Coolant Check (page 143).

5. Have your vehicle checked as soon as

possible.

ECONOMICAL DRIVING

Fuel economy is affected by several things
such as how you drive, the conditions you
drive under and how you maintain your
vehicle.

There are some things to keep in mind that
may improve your fuel economy:
•

Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,
moderate fashion.

•

Drive at steady speeds.

•

Anticipate stops; slowing down may
eliminate the need to stop.

•

Combine errands and minimize
stop-and-go driving (When running
errands, go to the furthest destination
first and then work your way back
home).

•

Close the windows for high-speed
driving.

•

Drive at reasonable speeds.

•

Keep the tires properly inflated and use
only the recommended size.

•

Use the recommended engine oil.

•

Perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance.

There are also some things you may want
to avoid doing because they reduce your
fuel economy:
•

Avoid sudden or hard accelerations.

•

Avoid revving the engine before turning
off the car.

•

Avoid long idle periods.

•

Do not warm up your vehicle on cold
mornings.

•

Reduce the use of air conditioning and
heat.

•

Avoid using speed control in hilly
terrain.

•

Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving.

•

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight.

•

Avoid adding particular accessories to
your vehicle (e.g. bug deflectors,
rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski
racks).

•

Avoid driving with the wheels out of
alignment.

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.

E176913

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

WARNINGS

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.

Pedals that cannot move freely can
cause loss of vehicle control and
increase the risk of serious personal

injury.

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.

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.

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.

E142666

To install the floor mats, position the floor
mat eyelet over the retention post and
press down to lock in position.

To remove the floor mat, reverse the
installation procedure.

Note: Regularly check the floor mats to
make sure they are secure.