Trailer Brakes - Ford F-650 2025 Owner's Manual

While driving down a grade, use a low
enough gear to descend safely with a
minimum application of the service brakes.
As a general guideline, use the same gear
as you use to ascend the hill.
Exhaust Brake Operating
Characteristics
The exhaust brake switches on when you
remove your feet from the accelerator
pedal and the exhaust brake is on.
If the brake is working properly, you may
notice:
• A slight change in engine sound when
the exhaust brake turns on.
• A smooth braking effect. Do not expect
a retarding effect similar to sudden,
hard application of the service brakes.
• A retarding force possibly felt acting
against your body during brake
application, depending on the grade
and vehicle load. This force helps your
vehicle resist increasing speeds down
grades.
• Engine temperatures remaining in the
normal operating range.
• A drop in engine RPM, depending on
grade and vehicle load, during a
descent.
• A decrease in road speed when
applying the exhaust brake during a
descent, except when your vehicle is
carrying a heavy load or the grade is
extremely steep. In these instances,
you may need to apply the service
brakes occasionally.
2025 F-650/750 (TBC) , enUSA, Edition date: 202310, First-Printing
Brakes

TRAILER BRAKES

Trailer Brake Hand Control
WARNING: The hand control
should never be used to apply the brakes
when the tractor and trailer are parked
unattended. Air may leak from the
system and the vehicle could possibly
move, resulting in possible property
damage, personal injury or death.
E210339
The hand control is located on the
right-hand side of the instrument panel. It
applies the trailer service brakes, which are
independent of the truck or tractor service
brakes.
It operates a valve that provides gradual
control of air pressure applied. When the
valve is only partially applied, you can
override the trailer brakes by pressing fully
on the brake pedal.
To apply the trailer brakes using the hand
control, move the lever downward. The
further you push the lever down, the
greater the air pressure is applied to the
brakes. The lever remains in place until
manually moved.
To release the trailer brakes, move the
lever up completely.
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(IF EQUIPPED)
(If Equipped)