2000 Ford F250 Owner's Manual - Page 131

Driving If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary. Water intrusion into the transmission may damage the transmission. If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should be replaced. Driving on hilly or sloping terrain When driving on a hill, avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep slopes. You could lose traction and slip sideways. Drive straight up, straight down or avoid the hill completely. Know the conditions on the other side of a hill before driving over the crest. When climbing a steep hill, start in a lower gear rather than downshifting to a lower gear from a higher gear once the ascent has started. This reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling. When descending a steep hill, avoid sudden braking. Shift to a lower gear when added engine braking is desired. When speed control is on and you are driving uphill, your vehicle speed may drop considerably, especially if you are carrying a heavy load. If vehicle speed drops more than 16 km/h (10 mph), the speed control will cancel automatically. Resume speed with accelerator pedal. If speed control cancels after climbing the hill, reset speed by pressing and holding the SET ACCEL button (to resume speeds over 50 km/h [30 mph]). Automatic transmissions may shift frequently while driving up steep (Overdrive) into grades. Eliminate frequent shifting by shifting out of a lower gear. Driving on snow and ice A 4WD vehicle has advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but can skid like any other vehicle. Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting from a full stop. If your vehicle is equipped with a Rear Anti-lock Brake System (RABS), you should be careful when braking. Front brake lock-up, on any surface, causes loss of steering control. 131