2000 FORD F350 cooling

Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than –36° C [–34° F]):
•it may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
•NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
•increased engine coolant concentrations above 60% will
decrease the overheat protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•refer 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:
•it is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration
above 40%.
•NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
•decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the corrosion protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•refer 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 “fail-safe” distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
Maintenance and care
186
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How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•the engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•the
andsymbol will
illuminate.
•theService 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:
•the engine power will be limited.
•the 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.
H
C
Maintenance and care
187
ProCarManuals.com

calibration .................................24
set zone adjustment .................23
Console ........................................66
Controls
power seat .................................73
Coolant
checking and adding ..............182
refill capacities .................185,222
specifications ...................225,227
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................56
Customer Assistance ................145
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................241
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................234
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............240
Getting roadside assistance ...145
Getting the
service you need ....................234
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................245
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................237
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............240
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................25
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................189
engine oil .................................176
Doors
door ajar warning .....................15
lubricant specifications ..........225
Driveline universal joint
and slip yoke .............................194
Driving under special
conditions ...........................130,131
mud ..........................................130
sand .........................................130snow and ice ...........................131
through water ..................130,134
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................166
Emission control system ..........210
Engine .................................227,228
check engine/
service engine soon light ....10,11
cleaning ...................................219
coolant .....................................182
diesel ...........................................3
fail-safe coolant ......................186
idle speed control ...................194
lubrication
specifications ...................225,227
refill capacities ........................222
service points ..........................175
starting after a collision .........146
Engine block heater .................107
Engine oil ..................................176
checking and adding ..............176
dipstick ....................................176
filter, specifications .........178,222
recommendations ...................178
refill capacities ........................222
specifications ...................225,227
Exhaust fumes ..........................107
Fail safe cooling ........................186
Fluid capacities .........................222
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles ..14,123
control trac ...............................26
description ..............................127
driving off road .......................129
electronic shift ............26,123,127
indicator light ....................15,124
lever operated shift ................125
manual locking hubs ..............124
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................113
Fuel ............................................202
calculating fuel economy .......207
cap ...........................................206
Index
248
ProCarManuals.com