Ford E-250 (2009 year). Manual — part 51

Switching Off AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威

If the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud or sand, and seems to lose engine
power, switching off certain features of the AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威

system may be beneficial because the wheels are allowed to spin. This
will restore full engine power and will enhance momentum through the
obstacle. To switch off the AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 system partially,

press the AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 ⬙Off⬙ button below 20 mph

(32 km/h). Full features of the AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 system can be

restored by pressing the AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 ⬙Off⬙ button again or

if the vehicle is above 20 mph (32 km/h) or by turning off and restarting
the engine.

If you switch off the AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 system below 20 mph

(32 km/h), the sliding car

⬙ icon

will illuminate steadily. Pressing the

AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 ⬙Off⬙ button again or if the vehicle is above

20 mph (32 km/h) will turn off the

⬙sliding car⬙

icon. The switch will

not allow partial AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 system disabling above

20 mph (32 km/h).

In R (Reverse), ABS and the Engine and Brake Traction Control features
will continue to function; however, ESC and RSC

威 are disabled.

AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 Features

Button
functions

“Sliding

car”

icon

RSC

威

ESC

Traction

Control

Default at
start-up

Illuminated

during bulb

check

Enabled

Enabled

Enabled

Button pressed
momentarily

Illuminated

solid

Enabled

Enabled

Disabled

below

20 mph

(32 km/h)

Button pressed
again after
deactivation or
driving above
20 mph
(32 km/h)

Not

illuminated

Enabled

Enabled

Enabled

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STEERING

To help 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).

• Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check

for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.

• Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering

pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.

• Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the FULL COLD

range on the dipstick, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir.

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.

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.

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206

PREPARING TO DRIVE

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

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

Utility vehicles and trucks have larger tires and increased ground
clearance, giving the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger
car.

WARNING: Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility vehicles and trucks handle differently than vehicles with a

lower center of gravity. 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. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed or 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.

WARNING: Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity,
may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Do not overload

your vehicle and use extra precautions, such as driving at slower
speeds, avoiding abrupt steering changes and allowing for increased
stopping distance, when driving a heavily loaded vehicle. Over-loading
or loading the vehicle improperly can deteriorate handling capability
and contribute to loss of vehicle control and vehicle rollover.

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.
The van should be operated by an experienced driver. An organization
that owns a 15–passenger van should select one or two experienced

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207

drivers to drive the van on a regular basis. These drivers will gain
valuable experience handling the van. This experience will help make
each trip safer.

The van should be operated at a safe speed which, in some conditions,
may be less than the posted speed limit.

Further, all occupants should be properly restrained. Most people killed
in rollover crashes were unbelted. Occupants can dramatically reduce
their risk of being killed or seriously injured in a rollover crash by simply
using their seat belts. Organizations that own 15–passenger vans should
have a written seat belt use policy. Drivers should be responsible for
enforcing the policy.

Emergency maneuvers
• In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn

must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle, i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency. Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.

• In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not

attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.

WARNING: 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.

• If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from

concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.

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