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STARTING THE ENGINE
Read all starting instructions carefully before you start your vehicle.
Starting procedures are also shown on the vehicle visor. For
temperatures below 0ÉC (32ÉF), the use of the correct grade engine oil is
essential for proper operation.
If your vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission, make sure the
parking brake is set fully before you turn the key. Depress the clutch
pedal and place the gearshift in the neutral position. The clutch must be
fully depressed in order to operate the starter. Do not press the
accelerator during starting.
If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, ensure the
gearshift lever is in P (Park) and the parking brake is set before you turn
the key. Do not press the accelerator during starting.
COLD WEATHER STARTING
Do not crank the engine for more than 30 seconds at a time as starter
damage may occur. If the engine fails to start, turn the key to OFF and
wait 30 seconds before trying again.
Do not use starting fluid such as ether in the air intake system (see Air
Cleaner Decal). Such fluid could cause immediate explosive damage to
the engine and possible personal injury.
Do not add gasoline, gasohol or alcohol to diesel fuel. This practice
creates a serious fire hazard and causes engine performance problems.
1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For
more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer toSeating
and safety restraintschapter in the owner guide.
2. Make sure the headlamps and vehicle accessories are off.
3. Turn the key to the ON position.
When the WAIT TO START light
goes off, turn the key to START.
(For Canadian vehicles, the daytime
running lamps will be on if the
parking brake is not applied and the key is turned to ON.)
4. When the engine starts, release the key. The glow plugs will continue
to be activated for up to two minutes. If the engine is not started before
the activation ceases, the glow plug system must be reset by turning the
ignition key to OFF.
WAIT
TO
START
Starting
9
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Operation in standing water
Ingestion of water into the diesel engine can result in immediate and
severe damage to the engine. If driving through water, slow down to
avoid splashing water into the intake. If the engine stalls, and ingestion
of water into the engine is suspected, do not try to restart the engine.
Consult your dealer for service immediately. Follow the cylinder
compression test procedure outlined in the Workshop Manual, then
check the engine oil for contamination.
Engine block heater (if equipped)
Refer to theStartingchapter in your Owner Guide.
JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to flames,
sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in injury or
vehicle damage.
Do not push start your vehicle. You could damage the catalytic
converter.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes, and
clothing.
Preparing your vehicle
Also see the label on the battery.
1. Use only a 12±volt supply to start your vehicle. If you connect your
battery to a 24±volt power supply you can damage your starter, ignition
system and other electrical components. Do not attach the jumper cables
to the glow plug relay as this could severely damage the glow plugs,
injector driver module and PCM.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle's electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure theydo nottouch. Set the parking brake on both vehicles
and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
Starting
11
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Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
Distribute the load so that only 10 to 15% of the total is on the tongue.
Tie down the load so that it does not shift and change the weight on the
hitch.
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully after any towing operation.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight could result in engine damage, transmission/axle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
F-Series trailer towing tables
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
ModelRear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg (lbs.)Maximum trailer
weight-
kg (lbs.)
1
F-250 3.73 9 072 (20 000) 4 536 (10 000)
F-350 3.73 9 072 (20 000) 4 536 (10 000)
F-350 (DRW) 4.10 9 072 (20 000) 4 536 (10 000)
F-450 4.88 11 794 (26 000) 4 536 (10 000)
F-550
(17 500 GVW)4.88 11 794 (26 000) 4 536 (10 000)
F-550
(19 000 GVW)4.88 11 794 (26 000) 4 536 (10 000)
1Conventional/Class IV trailer hitch only. Fifth wheel trailer maximum
weights can be calculated by subtracting the GVW from the GCWR.
Driving tips
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ECONOLINE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Engine oil filler
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
4. Air filter assembly
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Brake fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant recovery reservoir
9. Battery
91234
5
6
7
8
Service points
38
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F-SERIES ENGINE COMPARTMENT
1. Engine coolant recovery reservoir
2. Engine oil filler
3. Engine oil dipstick
4. Automatic transmission dipstick (if equipped)
5. Clutch fluid reservoir (if equipped)
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Air filter assembly
8. Battery (dual batteries shown)
9. Power steering fluid reservoir
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
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Service points
39
