2000 FORD E SERIES cooling

Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than ±36É C [±34É F]):
²it may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
²NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
²increased engine coolant concentrations above 60% will
decrease the overheat protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
²refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
freeze protection at the temperatures in which you drive in the
winter months.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
²it is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration
above 40%.
²NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
²decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the corrosion protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
²decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
²refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
What you should know about fail-safe cooling (if equipped)
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The ªfail-safeº distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
Maintenance and care
162

How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
²the engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
²the
andsymbol will
illuminate.
²theService Engine Soon
indicator light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
²the engine power will be limited.
²the air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to a service facility.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to a service facility.
H
C
Maintenance and care
163

Customer Assistance ................127
Ford accessories
for your vehicle ......................217
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................210
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............216
Getting roadside assistance ...127
Getting the
service you need ....................210
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................221
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................213
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............216
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................17
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................165
engine oil .................................152
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........203
Driveline universal joint
and slip yoke .............................167
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................126
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................144
Emission control system ..........186
Engine ........................................206
check engine/
service engine soon light .........10
cleaning ...................................195
coolant .....................................158
diesel ...........................................5
fail-safe coolant ......................162
idle speed control ...................167
lubrication
specifications ...................203,206refill capacities ........................200
service points ..........................152
starting after a collision .........128
Engine block heater .................106
Engine oil ..................................152
checking and adding ..............152
dipstick ....................................152
filter, specifications .........154,199
recommendations ...................154
refill capacities ........................200
specifications ...................203,206
Exhaust fumes ..........................107
Fail safe cooling ........................162
Fluid capacities .........................200
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................113
Fuel ............................................179
calculating fuel economy .......183
cap ...........................................182
capacity ...................................200
choosing the right fuel ...........181
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................186
detergent in fuel .....................182
filling your vehicle
with fuel ....................179,182,183
filter, specifications .........183,199
fuel pump shut-off switch .....128
gauge .........................................14
improving fuel economy ........183
octane rating ....................181,206
quality ......................................181
running out of fuel .................182
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................179
Fuses ...................................130,131
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............182
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................183
Gauges .........................................14
battery voltage gauge ...............16
Index
224