Although OSHA or other governmental regulations may require use of an
electrical or mechanical back-up alarm to warn bystanders, such an
alarm does not assure that the intended path is clear.
An electrical back-up alarm, if installed, is connected to the back-up
lamp circuit.
HYDRAULIC BRAKES (IF EQUIPPED)
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the Scheduled
maintenance guide for scheduled maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle’s brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a“metal-to-metal,”“continuous grinding”or
“continuous squeal”sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear.
Do not apply your brakes continuously, as they may overheat
and become less effective.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle’s
anti-lock brake system. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder
in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a
qualified service technician.
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82
Driving through water
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine’s air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage.
FUEL CONSUMPTION IMPROVEMENT MEASURES
There are two important factors you can control to improve fuel
economy: the mechanical condition of your vehicle and how you drive it.
A properly maintained vehicle will deliver better performance than a
neglected vehicle. Always follow your maintenance schedule to keep your
vehicle in top operating condition.
Also, your driving habits have a significant influence on use of fuel. By
following these suggestions, you can stretch your fuel use:
•Avoid changes in speed as much as possible.
•Anticipate changing traffic conditions. Sudden stops and fast
acceleration waste fuel.
•Avoid extensive idling.
•Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal.
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112
4. Tilt the hood forward until
stopped by the retaining cables.
To lower the hood:
1. Push the hood rearward at the top center of the hood above the grille
until closed.
2. Engage the latch on each fender.
3. Push down on the bottom of each latch until locked.
To avoid the possibility of personal injury, never stand beneath
the hood when it is being raised or lowered.
ENGINE OIL
Checking engine oil level—Cummins B and Caterpillar 3126 B
engines
Refer to the appropriate engine operator’s manual for information on the
engine oil.
Checking engine oil level—7.3L Power Stroke engine
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
Check the engine oil level consistently and accurately. The following
procedure is recommended:
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127
Engine oil and filter recommendations—Cummins B and Caterpillar
3126 B engines
Refer to the appropriate engine operator’s manual for information on the
engine oil.
Engine oil and filter recommendations—7.3L Power Stroke engine
To help achieve proper engine performance and durability, it is important
that you:
•Use only engine lubricating oils and oil filters of the proper quality.
•Change the engine oil and filterno laterthan the recommended
service interval. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the
appropriate intervals for changing the engine oil and filter.
•Change your engine oil and filter more frequently if your vehicle
operation includes extended periods of idling or low-speed operation,
driving for a long time in cold temperatures or short driving distances.
Diesel engines require specially formulated oil to resist contamination.
Proper quality oils also provide maximum efficiency of the crankcase
ventilation system which reduces air pollution.
Use Motorcraft motor oil or an equivalent oil meeting Ford specification
WSS-M2C171–B or API service category designation CH-4/SJ. Do not use
oils labeled with only one of the category designations SG, SH, SJ, CE,
CF-4, CH-4 or CG-4, as they could cause engine damage.
Diesel engine oils with improved fuel economy properties (energy
conserving) are currently available. If you use an energy conserving oil,
be sure it meets Ford specification WSS-M2C171–B or API service
category designation CH-4/SJ and is of the proper viscosity grade for the
temperature range in which you expect to operate your vehicle. Some
energy conserving oils do not meet the requirements necessary for your
diesel engine.
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129
BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Check and refill the Hydromax
brake fluid reservoir using the
following procedure. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
the service interval.
1. Clean the reservoir caps before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid from
a clean un-opened container until
the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Ford specifications. Refer toLubricant specifications
in theCapacities and specificationschapter.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry. This
may cause the brakes to fail.
Brake system fluid should be replaced on a regular basis to maintain
optimum braking performance, especially under heavy-duty driving
conditions such as frequent steep grades or heavy loads. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the service interval.
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131
AVOID MIXING LUBRICANTS
In some cases, different brands of lubricants are not compatible with
each other and deteriorate when mixed. It is best to stick with one brand
during a maintenance interval.
CLUTCH (IF EQUIPPED)—LINKAGE LUBRICATION
Lubricate the clutch linkage using the following procedure. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the service interval schedules.
Use a grease which meets Ford specifications. Refer toCapacities and
specifications.
1. Set the parking brake, shift into 1 (First) and turn the engine off.
2. Remove the inspection cover from the clutch housing.
•Transmission and clutch
removed for clarity.
3. With a grease gun, lubricate the clutch release bearing (at one
location) and the clutch release shaft (at two locations) using the grease
fittings provided.
4. Lubricate clutch release wear pads at the two locations where they
contact the clutch release bearing using a brush or similar tool.
5. Install the inspection cover onto the clutch housing.
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the clutch fluid level. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide
for the service interval schedules.
During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant. If the fluid level drops, maintain the fluid level at the
step in the reservoir.
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132
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking coolant level
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine coolant
level. Check the engine coolant level
in the coolant reservoir when the
engine is cold.
If the coolant level has not been
checked at the recommended
interval, the coolant reservoir may
become empty. If this occurs, a
STOP ENGINE warning lamp will
illuminate (if equipped).
If necessary, add a mixture of 50% engine coolant concentrate and 50%
water (50/50 ratio) to the coolant reservoir to bring the engine coolant
level to within the cold fill range on the reservoir. For more information
on engine coolant, refer toAdding and replacing engine coolantin
this chapter.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot or personal injury may occur.
If you must remove the coolant reservoir cap, follow these steps to avoid
personal injury:
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let the engine
cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap. Slowly
turn the cap counterclockwise until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. Once you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn the cap counterclockwise and remove it.
Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine coolant,
antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified function and
vehicle location.
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134
Adding and replacing engine coolant-7.3L Power Stroke and
Cummins B engines
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for service intervals of the
engine cooling system.
Use Ford Premium Engine Coolant E2FZ-19549–AA (in Canada,
Motorcraft CXC-8–B) or a premium engine coolant that meets Ford
specification ESE-M97B44–A. Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze.
The use of an improper coolant may cause cooling system and/or engine
damage and may void the warranty of your vehicle’s engine cooling
system.
A mixture of 50% engine coolant concentrate and 50% water (50/50
ratio) is recommended to maintain best overall cooling system
performance. A 60/40 antifreeze to water ratio is acceptable for
extremely cold climates, but the coolant and water mixture must be
returned to a 50/50 ratio at the end of the winter season. To avoid
damaging the cooling system and engine, the coolant and water mixture
should never exceed a 60/40 antifreeze to water ratio.
Operating the engine with insufficient coolant can cause severe
cooling system and engine damage.
When refilling the engine cooling system as part of regular maintenance
or due to service, adhere to the following instructions:
1. Drain and flush the cooling system to remove dirt deposits, oil and
rust particles. Always dispose of used automotive fluids following your
community’s standards.
2. Fill the coolant reservoir with the specified coolant and water mixture
until the level stabilizes within the cold fill range.
3. Reinstall the coolant reservoir cap.
4. Start and idle the engine until the upper radiator hose is warm
(approximately 10–15 minutes). If the hose does not get warm, repeat
this step at a higher engine speed.
5. Once the hose is warm, shut the engine off.
6. Cautiously remove the coolant reservoir cap as previously described,
and add the specified coolant and water mixture until the level stabilizes
within the cold fill range of the coolant reservoir.
7. Reinstall the engine coolant reservoir cap.
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135