Trailer lamps, Driving while you tow, Trailer towing tips – FORD 2012 Shelby GT 500 v.3 User Manual

Page 204: Tires, wheels and loading

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Trailer lamps

Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working.

Do not splice into the vehicle lamp wiring for trailer lamps. Your
vehicle uses an advanced electronic module to control and
monitor your vehicle lamps. Splicing into the wiring or attaching
wiring to the vehicle bulb. may DISABLE the rear vehicle lamps
or cause them not to function properly.

Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible for proper
instructions and equipment for hooking-up trailer lamps.

Driving while you tow

When towing a trailer:
• Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles

(800 km) of trailer towing and don’t make full-throttle starts.

• Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off

automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.

• Use the grade assist feature (automatic transmissions) when towing.

This feature provides engine braking and helps eliminate excessive
shifting for optimum fuel economy and transmission cooling.

• Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached; anticipate

stops and brake gradually.

Trailer towing tips
• Practice turning, stopping and backing-up before starting on a trip to

get the feel of the vehicle-trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.

• To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot

weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or neutral (manual transmissions).

• After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your

hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.

• If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do

not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.

• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must

park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

204

2012 05+ Mustang (197)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA
(fus)

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