Parking brake warning (if equipped)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
and the engine is off.
If the warning lamp remains
illuminated after engine start up,
this indicates a system failure in the master cylinder of the brake system.
Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible and seek service immediately.
If equipped with an air brake system, the warning light stays on until the
air pressure builds up to 414 kPa (60 psi). If the air pressure drops
below 414 kPa (60 psi) durning operation, the remaining brake system is
still operational but the stopping distance will be greater.
Parking brake warning
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
and the engine is off. If the brake
warning lamp does not illuminate at
this time, seek service immediately.
Also illuminates when the parking
brake is engaged.
Engine protect warning (Cummins engine only)
Illuminates when there is a fault in
the electronic subsystem but the
vehicle can be driven, and indicates
one of the following conditions:
•low oil pressure
•low coolant level
•high coolant temperature
•high intake manifold temperature
Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual.
!
BRAKE
P
BRAKE
ENGINE
PROTECT
Instrumentation
11
Engine oil pressure gauge
This shows the engine oil pressure
in the system. Sufficient pressure
exists as long as the needle remains
in the normal range (the area
between the“L”and“H”).
If the gauge indicates low pressure,
stop the vehicle as soon as safely
possible and switch off the engine
immediately. Check the oil level.
Add oil if needed (refer toEngine
oilin theMaintenance and care
chapter). If the oil level is correct, have your vehicle checked at your
dealership or by a qualified technician.
Air pressure gauge and warning buzzer (if equipped)
Indicates the amount of air pressure
in the brake system (green=primary,
red=secondary) in pounds per
square inch. When the pressure is
too low for normal brake operation
(less than 414 kPa [60 psi]) and the
ignition is turned to ON:
•a warning buzzer sounds
•the warning light illuminates
All vehicles have a dual-pointer air
pressure gauge to indicate the pressure in both brake circuits.
Do not drive the vehicle when the low air pressure buzzer is
sounding or the warning light is lit. These warnings indicate
there is not enough air pressure for the brake system to operate
properly.
L
H
0 30120 90 60
150AIR
PRESSURE
PSI
Instrumentation
19
If equipped with an air intake heater, DO NOT use ether or any
other starting fluids. The use of starting fluids (ether) in an
engine equipped with an air intake heater could result in damage
and/or personal injury.
4. Do not depress the accelerator during starting the engine.
5. Start the engine.
If the engine does not start after 30 seconds of cranking, allow two
minutes for the starter to cool before trying again. Excessive cranking
may damage the starter.
After the engine starts:
•On some engines, the Wait to
Start light should illuminate after
the engine starts. Allow the
engine to idle about three
minutes or until the engine
coolant temperature gauge begins
to rise. Maintain idle speed until
the Wait to Start light cycles off
to indicate the air intake heater
has shut off (approximately six minutes). Operating the engine at
higher speeds will reduce the effectiveness of the air inlet heater.
•Do not increase engine speed
until the oil pressure gauge
indicates normal pressure.
•Ensure engine oil pressure is
indicated on the gauge within 15
seconds after starting.
•Idle the engine for three to five
minutes before operating with a
full load.
•Try to limit engine idle to 10
minutes. Excessive idling reduces fuel economy.
•When starting a cold engine, increase the engine speed (RPM) slowly
to make sure adequate lubrication is available to the bearings.
WAIT
TO
START
L
H
Starting
78
RESTARTING AFTER RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
The fuel system may need to be purged of air, refer toRunning out of
fuelin theMaintenance and carechapter.
OPERATING THE ENGINE
Do not operate the engine at full throttle below peak torque engine
speed (RPM) for more than one minute at a time (peak torque RPM
varies from 1200-1500 RPM depending on engine rated speed).
Monitor the oil pressure and coolant
temperature gauges frequently.
If the gauges indicate any reading is
not in the normal operating range,
stop your vehicle as soon as
possible, shut the engine off and
check the appropriate fluid level. If
an overheating condition starts to
occur, release the throttle pressure
or shift the transmission into a
lower gear, or both, until the
temperature returns to normal operating range.
Continuous operation with low coolant
temperature, below 60°C (140°F) or
high coolant temperature 100°C
(212°F) can damage the engine.
Most failures give some kind of early
warning. Look and listen for changes
in performance, sound or engine
appearance that can indicate service
or engine repair is needed. Some
changes to look and/or listen for:
•Engine misfires
•Loss of power
•Sudden changes in engine operating temperature or oil pressure
•Excessive smoke
•Fuel, oil or coolant leaks
•Vibration
•Increased oil or fuel consumption
L
H
H
C
Starting
79
Excessive full throttle operation below peak torque RPM will shorten
engine life to overhaul and can cause serious engine damage. Operation
of the engine below peak torque RPM can occur during gear shifting due
to difference of gear ratios.
COLD WEATHER STARTING
Perform the following to assure efficient starting in cold weather:
•Use the proper grade oil for your climate. Refer to your engine
operator’s manual for proper grade oil.
•Test the battery more frequently to assure ample power for starting.
•All electrical connections should be tight and in good condition to
prevent losses through loose or corroded connections.
USING THE ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster and allows the heater-defroster
system to respond quickly. Use of an engine block heater is strongly
recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach -23°C
(-10°F) or below.
For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before starting the
vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours will not harm the
engine, so the heater can be plugged in the night before starting the vehicle.
To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
ENGINE SHUTDOWN SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
This system is designed to help prevent engine damage that could result
from operating the engine during a prolonged period of low engine oil
pressure, high engine coolant temperature or low coolant level. If any of
these conditions occur, a warning light will illuminate and a chime will
sound warning the operator that the engine will shutdown in 30 seconds.
This is to allow time for the operator to move the vehicle off the road. If
additional time is required, the engine can be restarted and run each
time for approximately 30 seconds.
Do not attempt to use this restarting feature to drive the vehicle, serious
engine damage could result.
Starting
80
Tire inflation pressure must not exceed the recommendations of
the axle, tire and/or wheel rim manufacturer for the specific
load, speed and application. The inflation pressures on the tire sidewall
do not take the wheel rim capabilities into consideration.
Never use a rim of different manufacture or any different size or
type than original rims.
Try to replace tires in pairs on the same axle shaft. Tires larger or
smaller than originally installed may affect the accuracy of the
speedometer. Consult your dealer about the need to change the switch
setting on the back of the speedometer.
Front wheel alignment
If abnormal tire wear or ride and handling characteristics such as vehicle
lead or wander are experienced with properly inflated tires, the front
end alignment should be checked.
Wheel bearing care
Front and rear wheel bearings are adjustable to correct for bearing and
spindle wear. Long bearing life depends upon proper adjustment and
correct lubrication. If bearings are adjusted too tightly (preloaded) they
will overheat and wear rapidly. Loose adjustment will cause pounding
and will contribute to uneven tire wear, steering difficulties and
inefficient brake operation.
Refer to the Ford Service Manual applicable to your vehicle for proper
tightening procedures and torque specifications.
Periodically check the oil level on oil filled front bearing hubs. If
necessary, add oil through the filler plug so the oil level is between the
ADD and FULL marks indicated on the hub. Do not overfill. Overfilling
can result in oil on brake linings.
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for fluid level checks and
change intervals for the front hubs.
Your front hubs may be filled with an optional synthetic fluid which
allows use of the extended service intervals. A blue colored filler plug
identifies use of the synthetic fluid.
Maintenance and care
150