Ford E-250 (2009 year). Manual — part 13

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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197

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.

BRAKE

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198

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

BRAKE

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199

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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200

If a system fault is detected, the traction control active light will
illuminate steadily in the instrument cluster, the Traction Control™
button will not turn the system on or off and your vehicle should be
serviced by an authorized dealer.

ADVANCETRAC

姞 WITH ROLL STABILITY CONTROL™ (RSC姞)

STABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)

WARNING: Vehicle modifications involving braking system,
aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire

construction and/or wheel/tire size may change the handling
characteristics of the vehicle and may adversely affect the performance
of the AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 system. In addition, installing any

stereo loudspeakers may interfere with and adversely affect the
AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 system. Install any aftermarket stereo

loudspeaker as far as possible from the front center console, the
tunnel, and the front seats in order to minimize the risk of interfering
with the AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 sensors. Reducing the effectiveness

of the AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 system could lead to an increased risk

of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.

WARNING: Remember that even advanced technology cannot
defy the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a

vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause you to lose control of your
vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage.
Activation of the AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 system is an indication that

at least some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road;
this could reduce the operator’s ability to control the vehicle,
potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. If your AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 system

activates, SLOW DOWN.

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201

WARNING: If a failure has been detected within the
AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 system, the ⬙sliding car⬙ icon

will

illuminate steadily. Verify that the AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 system is

not manually disabled (push the AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 “Off “

button located on the center of the instrument panel). If the

⬙sliding

car

⬙ icon

still illuminates steadily, have the system service by an

authorized dealer immediately. Operating your vehicle with
AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 disabled could lead to an increased risk of

loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.

The AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 system provides the following stability

enhancement features for certain driving situations:
• Traction Control (TCS), which functions to help avoid drive-wheel

spin and loss of traction.

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which functions to help avoid skids

or lateral slides

• Roll Stability Control™ (RSC威), which functions to help avoid a

vehicle roll-over.

The AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 system automatically enables each time

the engine is started. All features of the AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 system

(TCS, ESC, and RSC

威) are active and monitor the vehicle from start-up.

However, the system will only intervene if the driving situation requires
it.

The AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威

system includes an AdvanceTrac

威

with RSC

威 ⬙Off⬙ button on the

center of the instrument panel, and
a “sliding car” icon

in the

instrument cluster. The “sliding car”
icon

in the instrument cluster

will illuminate temporarily during
start-up as part of a normal system self-check, or during driving if a
driving situation causes the AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 system to operate.

If the “sliding car” icon

illuminates steadily, verify that the

AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 system is not manually disabled by pressing

the AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 ⬙Off⬙ button located on the center stack of

the instrument panel. If the “sliding car” icon

remains steadily

illuminated, or if the message center (if equipped) displays SERVICE
RSC NOW, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately.

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202

When AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 performs a normal system self-check,

some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake, and/or a
rumble, grunting, or grinding noise after startup and when driving off.

When an event occurs that activates AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 you may

experience the following:
• A slight deceleration of the vehicle
• The “sliding car”

indicator light will flash.

• A vibration in the pedal when your foot is on the brake pedal
• If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the

brake pedal may move as the systems applies higher brake forces. You
may also hear a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during
this severe condition.

• The brake pedal may feel stiffer than usual.
Traction Control (TCS)

Traction Control is a driver aid feature that helps your vehicle maintain
traction of the wheels, typically when driving on slippery and/or hilly
road surfaces, by detecting and controlling wheel spin.

Excessive wheel spin is controlled in two ways, which may work
separately or in tandem: Engine Traction Control and Brake Traction
Control. Engine Traction Control works to limit drive-wheel spin by
momentarily reducing engine power. Brake Traction Control works to
limit wheel spin by momentarily applying the brakes to the wheel that is
slipping. Traction Control is most active at low speeds.

During Traction Control events the “sliding car” icon

in the

instrument cluster will flash.

If the Traction Control system is activated excessively in a short period
of time, the braking portion of the system may become temporarily
disabled to allow the brakes to cool down. In this situation, Traction
Control will use only engine power reduction or transfer to help control
the wheels from over-spinning. When the brakes have cooled down, the
system will regain all features. Anti-lock braking, RSC

威, and ESC are not

affected by this condition and will continue to function during the
cool-down period.

The Engine Traction Control and Brake Traction Control system may be
deactivated in certain situations. See the Switching Off AdvanceTrac

威

with RSC

威 section following.

Driving

203

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) may enhance your vehicle’s directional
stability during adverse maneuvers, for example when cornering severely or
avoiding objects in the roadway. ESC operates by applying brakes to one or
more of the wheels individually and, if necessary, reducing engine power if
the system detects that the vehicle is about to skid or slide laterally.

During Electronic Stability Control events the “sliding car” icon

in the

instrument cluster will flash.

Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the Electronic Stability
Control system, which include but are not limited to:
• Taking a turn too fast
• Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
• Driving over a patch of ice or other slippery surfaces
• 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
• Cornering while towing a heavily loaded trailer (refer to Trailer

towing in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter).

The Electronic Stability Control system may be deactivated in certain
situations. See the Switching Off AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC 威 section

following.

Roll Stability Control™ (RSC

威)

Roll Stability Control™ (RSC

威) may help to maintain roll stability of the

vehicle during adverse maneuvers. RSC

威 operates by detecting the

vehicle’s roll motion and the rate at which it changes and by applying the
brakes to one or more wheels individually.

During an event that activates the Roll Stability Control™ (RSC

威) the

“sliding car” icon

in the instrument cluster will flash.

Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the Roll Stability Control
system, which include:
• Emergency lane-change
• Taking a turn too fast
• Quick maneuvering to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
The Roll Stability Control system may be deactivated in certain
situations. See the Switching Off AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 section

following.

Driving

204

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

Button pressed
momentarily

Illuminated

solid

Enabled

Disabled

below

20 mph

(32 km/h)

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

Not

illuminated

Enabled

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205

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.

Driving

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

Driving

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.

Driving

208

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION

Brake-shift interlock

The vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake
pedal is depressed.

If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) position with the
ignition in the 4 (on) position and the brake pedal depressed, a
malfunction may have occurred. It is possible that a fuse has blown or
the vehicle’s brakelamps are not operating properly. Refer to Fuses and
relays in the Roadside Emergencies chapter. If the fuses and
brakelamps are working properly, and the vehicle still will not shift out of
(P) Park, see your authorized dealer for service.

If the fuse is not blown, perform the following procedure:

1. Apply the parking brake, and turn the ignition to the 4 (on) position.

2. Remove the lower trim panel under the steering column. Make sure
not disturb the wires on the electrical connector.

3. Locate the BSI solenoid
underneath the steering column.

4. With your hand, pull back on the
solenoid, and at the same time, shift
the transmission into N (Neutral).

5. Start the vehicle.

See your authorized dealer for service immediately.

WARNING: Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brakelamps are working.

Driving

209

WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the lock

position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.

WARNING: If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be

working properly. See your authorized dealer.

Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transmission

This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive Transmission Shift Strategy.
Adaptive Shift Strategy offers the optimal transmission operation and
shift quality. When the vehicle’s battery has been disconnected for any
type of service or repair, the transmission will need to relearn the normal
shift strategy parameters, much like having to reset your radio stations
when your vehicle battery has been disconnected. The Adaptive
Transmission Strategy allows the transmission to relearn these operating
parameters. This learning process could take several transmission
upshifts and downshifts; during this learning process, slightly firmer
shifts may occur. After this learning process, normal shift feel and shift
scheduling will resume.

P (Park)

This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.

To put your vehicle in gear:
• Start the engine
• Depress the brake pedal
• Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
• Come to a complete stop
• Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)

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210

WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the

LOCK position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.

R (Reverse)

With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).

N (Neutral)

With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.

(Overdrive)

The normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through four.

Overdrive can be deactivated by
pressing the transmission control
switch on the end of the gearshift
lever.

The O/D OFF lamp will illuminate in
the instrument cluster.

Drive (not shown)

Drive is activated when the transmission control switch is pressed.
• This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive.
• O/D OFF lamp is illuminated.
• Provides engine braking.
• Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to

other gears. Examples: heavy city traffic where continuous shifting in
and out of overdrive occurs, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer towing
and when engine braking is required.

• To return to O/D (Overdrive), press the transmission control switch.

The O/D OFF lamp will not be illuminated.

• O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned

off.

O/D

ON/OFF

O/D

OFF

Driving

211

2 (Second)

This position allows for second gear only.
• Provides engine braking.
• Use to start-up on slippery roads.
• To return to

(Overdrive), move the gearshift lever into the

(Overdrive) position.

• Selecting 2 (Second) at higher speeds will cause the transmission to

downshift to second gear at the appropriate vehicle speed.

1 (First)
• Provides maximum engine braking.
• Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
• Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)

when vehicle reaches slower speeds.

Forced downshifts
• Allowed in

(Overdrive) or Drive.

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

Understanding the shift positions of the 5–speed automatic
transmission (if equipped - 5.4L and 6.8L gasoline engines only)

Driving

212

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Ford E-250 (2009 year). Manual — part 13

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