Ford E-250 (2009 year). Manual — part 49

See Cold weather starting in the Driving chapter for more information
on starting with ethanol.

WARNING: Failure to follow engine block heater instructions
could result in property damage or physical injury.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged

(cheater) adapters.

Prior to using the engine block heater, follow these recommendations for
proper and safe operation:
• For your safety, use an outdoor extension cord that is product

certified by Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or Canadian Standards
Association (CSA). Use only an extension cord that can be used
outdoors, in cold temperatures, and is clearly marked

⬙Suitable for Use

with Outdoor Appliances.

⬙ Never use an indoor extension cord

outdoors; it could result in an electric shock or fire hazard.

• Use a 16 gauge outdoor extension cord, minimum.
• Use as short an extension cord as possible.
• Do not use multiple extension cords. Instead, use one extension cord

which is long enough to reach from the engine block heater cord to
the outlet without stretching.

• Make certain that the extension cord is in excellent condition (not

patched or spliced). Store your extension cord indoors at
temperatures above 32°F (0°C). Outdoor conditions can deteriorate
extension cords over a period of time.

• To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater with

ungrounded electrical systems or two pronged (cheater) adapters.
Also ensure that the block heater, especially the cord, is in good
condition before use.

• Make sure that when in operation, the extension cord plug /engine

block heater cord plug connection is free and clear of water in order
to prevent possible shock or fire.

• Be sure that areas where the vehicle is parked are clean and clear of

all combustibles such as petroleum products, dust, rags, paper and
similar items.

• Be sure that the engine block heater, heater cord and extension cord

are solidly connected. A poor connection can cause the cord to

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become very hot and may result in an electrical shock or fire. Be sure
to check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system
has been operating for approximately a half hour.

• Finally, have the engine block heater system checked during your fall

tune-up to be sure it’s in good working order.

How to use the engine block heater

Ensure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. To clean
them, use a dry cloth.

Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block
heater system may consume anywhere between 400 watts or 1000 watts
of energy per hour. Your factory installed block heater system does not
have a thermostat; however, maximum temperature is attained after
approximately three hours of operation. Block heater operation longer
than 3 hours will not improve system performance and will unnecessarily
use additional electricity.

Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the
vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the
prongs of the engine block heater cord plug.

BRAKES

Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.

Refer to Brake system warning
light in the Instrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.

Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)

Your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking and the
brake pedal may suddenly travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is
done and normal brake operation resumes. These are normal
characteristics of the ABS and should be no reason for concern.

P

!

BRAKE

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Using ABS

When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces. However,
the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.

ABS warning lamp

The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced.

Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately by an authorized dealer.

Parking brake

To set the parking brake (1), press
the parking brake pedal down until
the pedal stops.

To release, pull the lever (2).

WARNING: Always set the
parking brake fully and

make sure that the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park).

The BRAKE warning lamp will
illuminate and will remain
illuminated until the parking brake
is released.

ABS

P

!

BRAKE

P

!

BRAKE

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The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.

TRACTION CONTROL™ (IF EQUIPPED)

Your vehicle may be equipped with a Traction Control™ system. This
system helps you maintain the stability and steerability of your vehicle,
especially on slippery road surfaces such as snow- or ice-covered roads
and gravel roads. The system will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction in these conditions.

During Traction Control™ operation,
the traction control active light will
flash and the engine will not
“rev-up” when you push further on
the accelerator. This is normal
system behavior and should be no
reason for concern.

WARNING: 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 Traction
Control™ 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.

The Traction Control™ switch,
located on the center console, has
an indicator light that illuminates
steadily in the instrument cluster
when the system is off. The Traction
Control™ system will automatically
turn on every time the ignition is
turned off and on. The Traction Control™ system should normally be left
on.

If you should become stuck in snow or ice or on a very slippery road
surface, try switching the Traction Control™ system off. This may allow
excess wheel spin to “dig” the vehicle out and enable a successful
“rocking” maneuver. Remember to switch the Traction Control™ system
back on once the vehicle is no longer stuck.

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