Ford F-550 2001 User Manual

Before driving Introduction 2

Instrumentation 8 Controls and features 23 Seating and safety restraints 84

Starting and driving Starting 121

Driving 126 Roadside emergencies 160 Servicing

Maintenance and care 187 Capacities and specifications 238 Customer assistance 250 Reporting safety defects 263

Index 264

All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written authorization from Ford Motor Company. Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring obligation.

Introduction

The following warning may be required by California law:

CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning

WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and

certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

ICONS

Indicates a safety alert. Read the following section on Warnings.

Indicates vehicle information related to recycling and other environmental concerns will follow.

Correct vehicle usage and the authorized disposal of waste cleaning and lubrication materials are significant steps towards protecting the environment.

Indicates a message regarding child safety restraints. Refer to Seating and safety restraints for more information.

Indicates that this Owner Guide contains information on this subject. Please refer to the Index to locate the appropriate section which will provide you more information.

Introduction

WARNINGS

Warnings provide information which may reduce the risk of personal injury and prevent possible damage to others, your vehicle and its equipment.

BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE

There are no particular breaking-in rules for your vehicle. During the first 1 600 km (1 000 miles) of driving, vary speeds frequently. This is recommended to give the moving parts a chance to break in.

INFORMATION ABOUT THIS GUIDE

The information found in this guide was in effect at the time of printing. Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring obligation.

EMISSION WARRANTY

The New Vehicle Limited Warranty includes Bumper to Bumper Coverage, Safety Restraint Coverage, Corrosion Coverage, and 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel Engine Coverage. In addition, your vehicle is eligible for Emissions Defect and Emissions Performance Warranties. For a detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered, refer to the Warranty Guide that is provided to you along with your Owner’s Guide.

Introduction

SPECIAL NOTICES Notice to owners of diesel-powered vehicles

Read the 7.3 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel Owner’s Guide Supplement for information regarding correct operation and maintenance of your diesel-powered light truck.

Notice to owners of pickup trucks and utility type vehicles

Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than

other types of vehicles.

Before you drive your vehicle, please read this Owner’s Guide carefully. Your vehicle is not a passenger car. As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or an accident.

Be sure to read Driving off road in the Driving chapter as well as the “Four Wheeling” supplement included with 4WD and utility type vehicles.

Using your vehicle with a snowplow

For more information and guidelines for using your vehicle with a snowplow, refer to the Driving chapter.

Introduction

Using your vehicle as an ambulance

If your light truck is equipped with the Ford Ambulance Preparation Package, it may be utilized as an ambulance. Ford urges ambulance manufacturers to follow the recommendations of the Ford Incomplete Vehicle Manual, Ford Truck Body Builder’s Layout Book and the QVM guidelines as well as pertinent supplements. For additional information,

please contact the Truck Body Builders Advisory Service 1–877–840–4338.

Use of your Ford light truck as an ambulance, without the Ford Ambulance Preparation Package voids the Ford New Vehicle Limited Warranty and may void the Emissions Warranties. In addition, ambulance usage without the preparation package could cause high underbody temperatures, overpressurized fuel and a risk of spraying fuel which could lead to fires.

If your vehicle is equipped with the Ford Ambulance Preparation Package, it will be indicated on the Certification label. The label is located on the driver’s side door pillar or on the rear edge of the driver’s door. You can determine whether the ambulance manufacturer followed Ford’s recommendations by directly contacting that manufacturer. Ford Ambulance Preparation Package is only available on certain 7.3L Diesel engine equipped vehicles.

Notice to owners with vehicles equipped with Power Take Off (PTO) capability

Refer to the Driving chapter for more information and guidelines for operating vehicles equipped with PTO.

Introduction

These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.

Vehicle Symbol Glossary

Safety Alert

Fasten Safety Belt Air Bag-Front

Air Bag-Side Child Seat

Child Seat Installation Warning

Brake System Anti-Lock Brake System

Brake Fluid Non-Petroleum Based

Master Lighting Switch Hazard Warning Flasher

Fog Lamps-Front Fuse Compartment

Fuel Pump Reset Windshield Wash/Wipe

See Owner’s Guide

Child Seat Tether Anchorage

Traction Control

Windshield Defrost/Demist

Power Windows Front/Rear

Rear Window Defrost/Demist

Power Window Lockout

Vehicle Symbol Glossary

MAX

MIN

Introduction

Child Safety Door Lock/Unlock

Interior Luggage Compartment Release Symbol

Panic Alarm Engine Oil

Engine Coolant

Engine Coolant Temperature

Do Not Open When Hot Battery

Avoid Smoking, Flames, or Sparks

Battery Acid

Explosive Gas Fan Warning

Power Steering Fluid

Maintain Correct Fluid Level

Emission System Engine Air Filter

Passenger Compartment Air Filter

Jack

Check fuel cap

Instrumentation

Turn signal and

wiper/washer control

(pg. 73)

PANEL

DIM

Instrument cluster

LOW FUEL

+ -

OFF

(pg. 10)

FUEL FILL

Speed control*

(pg. 68)

MPH

PRN 21

00000

0000

100

120

140

160

km/h

100

SERVICE ENGINE

SOON

CRUISE

ABS

RPM

1000

RANGE

LOW

BRAKE

DOOR

4 X 4

AJAR

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

Headlamp control

* if equipped

(pg. 23)

Instrument panel

dimmer control

(pg. 24)

Driver air bag

(pg. 101)

Gearshift lever*

(pg. 130)

OVERDRIVE

4X4

HIGH

LOW

OFF

PEDALS

Audio system

(pg. 33)

VOL - PUSH ON

BASS TREB BAL FADE

SEEK

SCAN

TUNE

123456

FM1

SIDE REW FF

OFF

Instrumentation

CLK

TAPE AMS

1 - 2

PASSENGER AIR BAG

OFF

4WD selector*

Power adjustable

foot pedals*

(pg. 24)

Reverse

sensing system*

(pg. 25)

(pg. 143)

Passenger air bag

deactivate switch*

(pg. 106)

Climate control system

(pg. 28)

Auxiliary

power point

(pg. 27)

Instrumentation

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES

100

00000

0000

MPH

PRN 21

km/h

120

140

160

100

RPM

SERVICE

ENGINE

SOON

LOW

FUEL

SERVICE

ENGINE

SOON

LOW

RANGE

1000

CRUISE

ABS

BRAKE

4 X 4

DOOR AJAR

+ -

FUEL FILL

LOW FUEL

Low fuel

Illuminates as an early reminder of a low fuel condition indicated on the fuel gauge (refer to Fuel Gauge in this chapter for more information). When refueling, after the light comes on, the amount of fuel that is added will be less than the advertised capacity since there is fuel still in the tank. The ignition must be in the ON position for this lamp to illuminate. The lamp will also illuminate for several seconds after the ignition is turned to the ON position regardless of the fuel level to ensure your bulb is working.

Service engine soon

Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On Board Diagnostics System (OBD II). The OBD II system protects the environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet government emission standards. The OBD II system also assists the service technician in properly servicing your vehicle.

The Service Engine Soon indicator light illuminates when the ignition is first turned to the ON position to check the bulb. If it comes on after the engine is started, one of the engine’s emission control systems may be malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require towing.

Instrumentation

What you should do if the Service Engine Soon light illuminates

Light turns on solid:

This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause your Service Engine Soon light to

illuminate. Examples are:

1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run poorly.)

2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.

3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely tightened.

These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank with high quality fuel of the recommended octane and/or properly installing and securely tightening the gas cap. After three driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, the Service Engine Soon light should turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.

If the Service Engine Soon light remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.

Light is blinking:

Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter. You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.

Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures

could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.

Air bag readiness

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned ON. If the light fails to illuminate, continues to flash or remains on, have the system serviced immediately.

Instrumentation

Transmission control indicator light (TCIL)

Illuminates when the Transmission Control Switch (TCS), refer to

Overdrive control in the Controls and Features chapter, has been

pushed turning the transmission overdrive function OFF. When the TCIL (the word OFF on the gear shift) light is on, the transmission does not operate in the overdrive mode, refer to the Driving chapter for transmission function and operation.

The light may also flash steadily if a transmission malfunction is detected. If the light does not come on when the Transmission Control Switch is depressed or if the light flashes steadily, have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, damage to the transmission could occur.

Safety belt

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position to remind you to fasten your safety belts. For more information, refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter.

Brake system warning

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position to indicate a system check. Also illuminates if the parking brake is engaged. If the brake warning lamp does not illuminate at these times, seek service immediately. Illumination after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake system should be inspected immediately.

BRAKE

OVERDRIVE

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position to indicate a system check. If the light remains on, continues to flash or fails to illuminate, have the system serviced immediately. With the ABS light on, the anti-lock brake system is disabled and normal braking is still effective unless the brake warning light also remains illuminated with the parking brake released.

ABS

Instrumentation

Turn signal

Illuminates when the left or right turn signal or the hazard lights are turned on. If one or both of the indicators stay on continuously or flash faster, check for a burned-out turn signal bulb. Refer to Bulbs in the Maintenance and care chapter.

High beams

Illuminates when the high beam headlamps are turned on.

Charging system

Illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position and the engine is off. The light also illuminates when the battery is not charging properly, requiring electrical system service.

Four wheel drive low (if equipped)

Momentarily illuminates after the engine is STARTED. Illuminates when four-wheel drive low is engaged. If the light continues to flash have the system serviced.

LOW

RANGE

Four wheel drive indicator (if equipped)

Momentarily illuminates after the engine is STARTED. Illuminates when 4x4 range is engaged. If the light continues to flash have the system serviced.

4x4

Instrumentation

Door ajar

Illuminates when the ignition is in the ON position and any door is open. It may also momentarily illuminate after the engine is started and all doors are closed.

Oil pressure/Engine coolant

This light will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON position and the:

• engine coolant temperature is very high

• engine oil pressure is low

• engine is off

The light serves as a notice that a system needs your attention and to check the engine coolant temperature gauge and the engine oil pressure gauge.

Refer to Engine coolant temperature gauge and Engine oil pressure gauge in this chapter for more information.

Speed control

This light comes on when either the COAST/SET or RES/ACCEL controls are pressed. It turns off when the speed control OFF control is pressed, the brake is applied or the ignition is turned to the OFF position.

DOOR

AJAR

CRUISE

Safety belt warning chime

Sounds to remind you to fasten your safety belts. For information on the safety belt warning chime, refer to the Seating

and safety restraints chapter.

Belt minder chime

Sounds intermittently to remind you to fasten your safety belts. For information on the safety belt minder chime, refer to the Seating

and safety restraints chapter.

Instrumentation

Supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning chime

For information on the SRS warning chime, refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter.

Key-in-ignition warning chime

Sounds when the ignition key is left in the ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACC position and the driver’s door is opened.

Headlamps on warning chime

Sounds when the headlamps or parking lamps are on, the ignition in the OFF position (and the key is not in the ignition) and the driver’s door is opened.

Parking brake ON warning chime

Sounds when the parking brake is set, the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 5 Km (3 mph).

GAUGES

100

00000

0000

MPH

PRN 21

km/h

120

140

160

100

SERVICE ENGINE

SOON

4 X 4

CRUISE

ABS

BRAKE

DOOR AJAR

RPM

1000

LOW

RANGE

+ -

FUEL FILL

LOW FUEL

Fuel gauge

Displays approximately how much fuel is in the fuel tank (when the key is in the ON position). The fuel gauge may vary slightly when the vehicle is in motion or after refueling. The ignition should be in the OFF position while the vehicle is being refueled. When the gauge first indicates empty, there is a small amount of reserve fuel in the tank.

Instrumentation

When refueling the vehicle from an empty indication, the amount of fuel that can be added will be less than the advertised capacity due to the reserve fuel.

Speedometer

Indicates the current vehicle speed.

Engine coolant temperature gauge

Indicates the temperature of the engine coolant. At normal operating temperature, the needle remains within the normal area (the area between the “H” and “C”). If it enters the red section, the engine is overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, switch off the engine immediately and let the engine cool. Refer to Engine

coolant in the Maintenance and care chapter.

0000

MPH

00000

100

km/h

120

140

160

100

Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is running or hot.

This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level the gauge indication will not be accurate.

Odometer

Registers the total kilometers (miles) of the vehicle.

Trip odometer

Registers the kilometers (miles) of individual journeys. To reset, depress the control.

Instrumentation

100

120

km/h

MPH

000000

0000

00000

0000

km/h

140

160

120

140

160

100

Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute.

Driving with your tachometer pointer at the top of the scale may damage the engine.

RPM

1000

Instrumentation

Battery voltage gauge

This shows the battery voltage when the ignition is in the ON position. If the pointer moves and stays outside the normal operating range (as indicated by arrows), have the vehicle’s electrical system checked as soon as possible.

Engine oil pressure gauge

This shows the engine oil pressure in the system. Sufficient pressure exists as long as the needle remains in the normal range (the area between the “L” and “H”).

If the gauge indicates low pressure, stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible and switch off the engine immediately. Check the oil level. Add oil if needed (refer to Engine oil in the Maintenance and care chapter). If the oil level is correct, have your vehicle checked at your dealership or by a qualified technician.

TRIP COMPUTER (IF EQUIPPED)

The trip computer tells you about the condition of your vehicle through a constant monitor of vehicle systems. You may select display features on the trip computer for a display of status.

The appearance of your vehicle’s trip computer may differ depending on your vehicle’s option package, but the functions are the same.

The trip computer only operates with the ignition in the ON position. Trip computer features follow:

Instrumentation

Selectable features English/metric display

Press this control to change the trip computer display between metric and English units.

MODE

Mode control

Each press of the MODE control will display a different feature as follows:

Average fuel economy. The display will indicate the vehicle’s

MODE

average fuel economy in liters/100 km (or miles/gallon) since the average fuel economy was last reset.

If you calculate your average fuel economy by dividing liters of fuel used by 100 kilometers traveled (miles traveled by gallons used), your figure may be different than displayed for the following reasons:

• your vehicle was not perfectly level during fill-up

• differences in the automatic shut-off points on the fuel pumps at

service stations

• variations in top-off procedure from one fill-up to another

• rounding of the displayed values to the nearest liter (gallon)

To reset the average fuel economy:

1. Press the MODE control repeatedly until average fuel economy is

displayed (this is the only resettable display).

E/M

Instrumentation

2. Press the E/M and MODE

controls simultaneously. The display will illuminate the “AVG” indicator. While the indicator is lit, release

MODE

both controls to reset the average fuel economy.

Fuel range. This displays the approximate number of kilometers (miles) left to drive before the fuel tank is empty. The indicated distance to empty may be inaccurate:

• with sustained, drastic changes in fuel economy (such as trailer towing), but will eventually recover.

• if the vehicle is started while parked on an incline.

• if less than 30 liters (8 gallons) of fuel is added to the fuel tank.

The fuel range function will flash for five seconds at the following distances based on fuel remaining and fuel economy calculations:

• 80 km (50 miles)

• 40 km (25 miles)

• 16 km (10 miles)

E/M

Outside air temperature

The temperature can be displayed in Centigrade or Fahrenheit by pressing the E/M control.

If the outside temperature falls

MODE

E/M

below 3°C (38°F), the display will alternate from “ICE” to the outside temperature at a two second rate for one minute.

Off. In this mode the display is off.

Compass

The compass display is contained in the overhead console. The vehicle heading is displayed as one of N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W and NW.

Instrumentation

The compass heading is displayed in average fuel economy modes, fuel range modes and temperature modes.

The compass reading may be affected when you drive near large buildings, bridges, power lines and powerful broadcast antenna. Magnetic or metallic objects placed in or on the vehicle may also affect compass accuracy. Adjustments may need to be made to the zone and calibration of the compass.

Compass zone adjustment

1. Determine which magnetic zone

you are in for your geographic location by referring to the zone map.

2. Locate the trip computer on the

overhead console.

3. Turn ignition to the ON position.

4. Press and hold both trip

computer controls. After approximately four seconds, the trip computer will enter zone setting

MODE

E/M

mode. Zone setting mode is indicated when the display lights the “ZONE” indicator.

5. Release both controls.

Subsequent pressing of either control will increment the zone. Press the control repeatedly until the correct zone setting for your geographic location is displayed on the trip computer.

Instrumentation

6. To exit the zone setting mode and save the displayed zone in memory,

release both controls for greater than five seconds.

Compass calibration adjustment

Perform this adjustment in an open area free from steel structures and high voltage lines.

For optimum calibration, turn off all electrical accessories (heater/air conditioning, wipers, etc.) and make sure all vehicle doors are shut.

1. Locate the trip computer located in the overhead console.

2. Start the vehicle.

3. Press and hold both trip

computer controls. After approximately eight seconds, the trip computer will enter CAL mode.

MODE

CAL mode is indicated when the display lights the “CAL” indicator.

4. Release both controls. The display

will return to normal, except that the CAL indicator will remain lit until the compass is sucessfully calibrated.

5. Slowly drive the vehicle in a circle (less than 5 km/h [3 mph]) until

the CAL indicator turns off. It may take up to five circles to complete calibration.

6. The compass is now calibrated.

E/M

HEADLAMP CONTROL

Rotate the headlamp control to the first position to turn on the parking lamps. Rotate to the second position to also turn on the headlamps.

High beams

Push forward to activate. Pull toward you to deactivate.

Flash to pass

Pull toward you to activate and release to deactivate.

Controls and features

Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)

Turns the headlamps on with a reduced output. To activate:

• the ignition must be in the ON position and

• the headlamp control is in the OFF or Parking lamps position.

Controls and features

Always remember to turn on your headlamps at dusk or during

inclement weather. The Daytime Running Light (DRL) System does not activate your tail lamps and generally may not provide adequate lighting during these conditions. Failure to activate your headlamps under these conditions may result in a collision.

Foglamp control (if equipped)

The headlamp control also operates the foglamps. The foglamps can be turned on only when the headlamp control is in the the high beams are not turned on.

Pull headlamp control towards you to turn foglamps on. The foglamp indicator light

PANEL DIMMER CONTROL

Use to adjust the brightness of the instrument panel during headlamp and parklamp operation.

• Rotate up to brighten.

• Rotate down to dim.

• Rotate to full up position (past

detent) to turn on interior lamps.

• Rotate to full down position (past detent) to turn off interior lamps.

position and

will illuminate.

PANEL

DIM

POWER ADJUSTABLE FOOT PEDALS (IF EQUIPPED)

The accelerator and brake pedal

PEDALS

should only be adjusted when the vehicle is stopped and the gearshift lever is in the P(Park) position.

Press and hold the rocker control to adjust accelerator and brake pedal.

• press the left side of the control to adjust the pedals toward you

• press the right side of the control to adjust the pedals away from you

Controls and features

The adjustment allows for approximately 76mm (3 inches) of maximum travel.

Never adjust the accelerator and brake pedal with feet on pedals

or while the vehicle is moving.

4WD CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)

This control operates the 4WD. Refer to the Driving chapter for more information.

REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)

The reverse sensing system (RSS) sounds a tone to warn the driver of obstacles near the rear bumper when the reverse gear is selected.

To help avoid personal injury, please read and understand the

limitations on the reverse sensing system described below. Reverse sensing is only an assist for some (generally large and fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat surface at “parking speeds” of approximately 6 km/h (4 mph) or less. The weather may also affect the function of RSS. RSS may have reduced performance, or be activated in inclement weather. It is the driver’s responsibility for ensuring that their path is clear when operating the vehicle.

2WD

4X4

HIGH

4X4

LOW

To help avoid personal injury, always use caution when in

reverse and when using the reverse sensing system.

Controls and features

This system is not designed to prevent contact with small or

moving objects. The system is designed to provide a warning to assist the driver in detecting large stationary objects to avoid damaging the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller objects, particularly those close to the ground.

The RSS will assist the driver in detecting certain objects while the vehicle slowly moves in reverse at speeds less than 6 km/h (4 mph). The RSS is not effective at speeds greater than 6 km/h (4 mph) and may not detect certain angular or moving objects.

The reverse sensing system detects obstacles within approximately 1.8 meters (5.9 ft.) of the rear bumper with a decreased coverage area at the outer corners of the bumper, (refer to the figures for approximate zone coverage areas). As you move closer to the obstacle, the rate of the tone increases. When the distance to the obstacle is less than

25.0 cm (10 in.), the tone will sound continuously. If the system detects a stationary or receding object further than 25.0 cm (10 in.) from the side of the vehicle, the tone will sound for only three seconds. Once the system detects an object approaching, the tone will sound again.

The reverse sensing system is automatically enabled when the gear

OFF

selector is placed in R (Reverse) and the ignition is ON. A reverse sensing control allows the driver to disable the reverse sensing system only when the ignition is ON, and the gear selector is in R (Reverse).

Controls and features

The OFF indicator remains illuminated when the system is disabled. The system defaults to ON every time the reverse gear is selected. Press the control to disable or enable the system.

The indicator will remain illuminated to indicate a failure of the reverse sensing system.

The reverse sensing system may have reduced performance or an increased chance of false detection if the tailgate is not locked in the vertical position. When the tailgate is down, the driver may experience a continuous or intermittent tone. This also applies if items being hauled in the box do not fit entirely inside and protrude rearward.

Always keep the sensors (located on the rear bumper/fascia) free from dirt, snow and ice (do not clean the sensors with sharp objects). These elements may cause the system to operate inaccurately.

If the vehicle sustains damage to the rear bumper/fascia, leaving it misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may be altered causing inaccurate measurement of obstacles or false alarms.

AUXILIARY POWER POINT

Power outlets are designed

for accessory plugs only. Do

POWER POINT

not hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket from the plug. Improper use of the power outlet can cause damage not covered by your warranty.

The auxiliary power point is located on the instrument panel.

Do not plug optional electrical accessories into the cigarette lighter. Use the power point.

Controls and features

CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM Heater only system (if equipped)

Fan speed control

Controls the volume of air circulated in the vehicle.

Temperature control

Controls the temperature of the airflow inside the vehicle. On heater-only systems, the air cannot be cooled below the outside temperature.

Mode selector control

Controls the direction of the airflow to the inside of the vehicle.

OFF

•

(Panel) -Distributes outside air through the instrument panel

registers.

• OFF-Outside air is shut out and the fan will not operate. For short periods of time only, use this mode to prevent undesirable odors from entering the vehicle.

•

(Panel and floor) -Distributes outside air through the instrument

panel registers and the floor ducts.

• (Floor) -Allows for maximum heating. Distributes outside air through the floor ducts.

• (Floor and defrost) -Distributes outside air through the floor ducts and the windshield defroster ducts.

• (Defrost) -Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster ducts. It can be used to clear ice or fog from the windshield.

Controls and features

Operating tips

• In humid weather conditions, place the climate control system in DEF before driving. This will reduce fogging on your windshield. Once the windshield has been cleared, operate the climate control system as desired.

• To reduce humidity buildup inside the vehicle in cold weather conditions, don’t drive with the climate control system in the OFF position.

• Under normal weather conditions, your vehicle’s climate control system should be left in any position other than MAX A/C or OFF when the vehicle is parked. This allows the vehicle to “breathe” through the outside air inlet duct.

• Under snowy or dirty weather conditions, your vehicle’s climate control system should be left in the OFF position when the vehicle is parked. This allows the climate control system to be free from contamination of outside pollutants.

• Do not put objects under the front seat that will interfere with the airflow to the rear seats (if equipped).

• Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of the windshield.

• Do not place objects over the defroster outlets. These objects may block airflow and reduce visibility through the windshield. Avoid placing small objects on top of the instrument panel. These objects may fall down into the defroster outlets and block airflow, in addition to damaging the climate control system.

Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel, as these objects may become projectiles in a collision or a sudden stop.

Controls and features

Manual heating and air conditioning system

OFF

A/C

MAX A/C

Fan speed control

Controls the volume of air circulated in the vehicle.

Temperature control knob

Controls the temperature of the airflow inside the vehicle.

Mode selector control

Controls the direction of the airflow to the inside of the vehicle.

The air conditioning compressor can operate in all modes except and . However, the air conditioning will only function if the outside temperature is about 6°C (43°F) or higher.

Since the air conditioner removes considerable moisture from the air during operation, it is normal if clear water drips on the ground under the air conditioner drain while the system is working and even after you have stopped the vehicle.

• MAX A/C-Uses recirculated air to cool the vehicle. MAX A/C is noisier than A/C but more economical and will cool the inside of the vehicle faster. Airflow will be from the instrument panel registers. This mode can also be used to prevent undesirable odors from entering the vehicle.

• A/C-Uses outside air to cool the vehicle. It is quieter than MAX A/C but not as economical. Airflow will be from the instrument panel registers.

OFF

A/C

MAX

A/C

+ 242 hidden pages

Ford F-550 2001 User Manual

Contents

Introduction

Instrumentation

Controls and features