2001 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS coolant temperature

Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Emission SystemEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check fuel cap
Introduction
5

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Low fuel
Illuminates as an early reminder of a
low fuel condition indicated on the
fuel gauge (refer toFuel Gaugein
this chapter for more information).
When refueling, after the light
comes on, the amount of fuel that is added will be less than the
advertised capacity since there is fuel still in the tank. The ignition must
be in the ON position for this lamp to illuminate. The lamp will also
illuminate for several seconds after the ignition is turned to the ON
position regardless of the fuel level to ensure your bulb is working.
Oil pressure/Engine coolant
This light will come on when the
key is in the ON position and the:
•engine coolant temperature is
very high
•engine oil pressure is low
The light serves as a notice that a system needs your attention and to
check the engine coolant temperature gauge and the engine oil pressure
gauge.
Refer toEngine coolant temperature gaugeandEngine oil pressure
gaugein this chapter for more information.
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PRN 21LOW
FUEL
BRAKE!+ -+ -000000000
0
50
60
70
20
10
0 3040
80
90
100
20406080
100
120
140
180
MPH km/h
1
02
RPMx1000
3
4
5
6
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOONABSFUEL
RESETDOOR
AJARBRAKE
LOW
FUEL
Instrumentation
6

Battery voltage gauge
This shows the battery voltage when
the ignition is in the ON position. If
the pointer moves and stays outside
the normal operating range (as
indicated), have the vehicle’s
electrical system checked as soon as
possible.
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant. At normal operating
temperature, the needle remains
within the normal area (the area
between the “H” and “C”). If it
enters the red section, the engine is
overheating. Stop the vehicle as
soon as safely possible, switch off
the engine immediately and let the
engine cool. Refer toEngine
coolantin theMaintenance and
carechapter.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant, not the
coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level the gauge indication
will not be accurate.
818
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Instrumentation
12

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.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is present in exhaust
fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle,
have your dealer inspect and fix your vehicle immediately. Do
not drive if you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful and
could kill you.
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked whenever:
•the vehicle is raised for service.
•the sound of the exhaust system changes.
•the vehicle has been damaged in a collision.
WARNING:Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Starting
25

ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
Your engine’s cooloing system has been factory-filled with a 50/50
mixture of distilled water and Ford G05 Engine Coolant per Ford
Specification WSS-M97B51–A1.
A50/50 mixtureof distilled water and Ford G05 Engine Coolant
provides:
•maximum cooling system efficiency.
•freeze protection down to -36° C (-34° F).
•boiling protection up to 129° C (265° F).
•protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•an accurate temperature readout from the engine coolant
gauge.
The engine coolant must be maintained at the correct fluid level
and concentration to work properly. If the engine coolant fluid
level and concentration is not maintained correctly, damage to
the engine and cooling system may result.
When the engine is cold, check the
level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
COLD FILL LEVEL
Maintenance and care
64

2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap. Slowly
turn cap counterclockwise until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company recommends the use of a recycled engine coolant
produced by Ford-approved processes.
Not all coolant recycling processes produce coolant which meets Ford
specification ESE-M97B44-A. Use of a recycled engine coolant which
does not meet the Ford specification may harm engine and cooling
system components.
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner.
Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling and
disposing of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
toRefill capacitiesin theCapacities and specificationschapter.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined inAdding engine coolant
in this chapter.
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.
Maintenance and care
67

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 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.
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•the engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•the
symbol will illuminate.
•the
symbol 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.
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Maintenance and care
68

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.
5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to a service facility.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to a
service facility as soon as possible.
Maintenance and care
69