2003 Ford F150 Owner Guide 5th Printing - Page 174

Driving Careless or high speed driving while plowing snow which results in sufficient vehicle decelerations can deploy the air bag. Such driving also increases the risk of accidents. All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, should always properly wear their safety belts, even when an air bag (SRS) is provided. Never remove or defeat the "tripping mechanisms" designed into the snow removal equipment by its manufacturer. Doing so may cause damage to the vehicle and the snow removal equipment as well as possible air bag deployment. Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System or its fuses. See your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer. Additional equipment such as snowplow equipment may effect the performance of the air bag sensors increasing the risk of injury. Please refer to the Body Builders Layout Book for instructions about the appropriate installation of additional equipment. Engine temperature while plowing When driving with a plow, your engine may run at a higher temperature than normal because the attached snowplow blade will restrict airflow to the radiator. If you are driving more than 24 km (15 miles) at temperatures above freezing, angle the plow blade either full left or full right to provide maximum airflow to the radiator. If you are driving less than 24 km (15 miles) at speeds up to 64 km/h (40 mph) in cold weather, you will not need to worry about blade position to provide maximum airflow. Transmission operation while plowing • Shift transfer case to 4L (4WD Low) when plowing in small areas at speeds below 8 km/h (5 mph). • Shift transfer case to 4H (4WD High) when plowing larger areas or light snow at higher speeds. Do not exceed 24 km/h (15 mph). • Do not shift the transmission from a forward gear to R (Reverse) until the engine is at idle and the wheels are stopped. 174 2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)