
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Child Safety Door
Lock/Unlock
Interior Luggage
Compartment Release
Symbol
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

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:
²low oil pressure
²low coolant level
²high coolant temperature
²high intake manifold temperature
Refer to the Engine Operator's Manual.
Stop engine (if equipped)
This light is used in conjunction
with the electronic engine control.
Refer to the Engine Operator's
Manual for specific information
regarding this feature.
If the engine shuts down, it can be restarted and operated for 30 seconds
at a time or until the problem is corrected. Refer toEngine shutdown
systemin theStartingchapter.
Drivers of electronically controlled engines should know the
extent of warning engine shutdown system before operating the
vehicle. This information can be obtained from your dealer.
Turn signal
Illuminates when the left or right
turn signal or the hazard lights are
turned on. If one or both of the
indicators stay on continuously or
flash faster, check for a burned-out
turn signal bulb. Refer toExterior bulbsin theMaintenance and care
chapter.
ENGINE
PROTECT
STOP
ENGINE
Instrumentation
12

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:
²On 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.
²Do not increase engine speed
until the oil pressure gauge
indicates normal pressure.
²Ensure engine oil pressure is
indicated on the gauge within
15 seconds after starting.
²Idle the engine for three to five
minutes before operating with a
full load.
²Try to limit engine idle to
10 minutes. Excessive idling reduces fuel economy.
²When starting a cold engine, increase the engine speed (RPM) slowly
to make sure adequate lubrication is available to the bearings.
RESTARTING AFTER RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
The fuel system may need to be purged of air, refer toRunning out of
fuelin theMaintenance and carechapter.
WAIT
TO
START
L
H
Starting
103

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 60ÉC (140ÉF) or
high coolant temperature 100ÉC
(212ÉF) 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:
²Engine misfires
²Loss of power
²Sudden changes in engine operating temperature or oil pressure
²Excessive smoke
²Fuel, oil or coolant leaks
²Vibration
²Increased oil or fuel consumption
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.
L
H
H
C
Starting
104

COLD WEATHER STARTING
Perform the following to assure efficient starting in cold weather:
²Use the proper grade oil for your climate. Refer to your engine
operator's manual for proper grade oil.
²Test the battery more frequently to assure ample power for starting.
²All 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 -23ÉC
(-10ÉF) 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
105

Checking engine oil levelÐ7.3L 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:
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. Park the vehicle on level ground.
3. Set the parking brake and shift into N (Neutral) (automatic
transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission).
4. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain
completely into the oil pan.
5. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
6. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
7. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it again.
²If the oil level isbetween FULL and OPERATING RANGE,the oil
level is acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
²Maintain the oil level between ADD and OPERATING RANGE on the
dipstick by adding oil as required.
²The distance from ADD to OPERATING RANGE on the dipstick
represents 1.9L (2 quarts).
²Oil levels above OPERATING RANGE may cause engine damage. Some
oil must be removed from the engine by a qualified service technician.
8. Put the indicator back into the engine and ensure it is fully seated.
Maintenance and care
160

Engine oil and filter recommendationsÐCummins B and Caterpillar
3126 B engines
Refer to the appropriate engine operator's manual for information on the
engine oil.
Engine oil and filter recommendationsÐ7.3L Power Stroke engine
To help achieve proper engine performance and durability, it is important
that you:
²Use only engine lubricating oils and oil filters of the proper quality.
²Change 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.
²Change 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±C 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±C 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.
Maintenance and care
161

Using the chart, determine which SAE viscosity grade best suits the
temperature range in which you expect to operate your vehicle. The use
of the correct oil viscosity grade for diesel engines is important for
satisfactory engine operation.
A symbol has been developed by the American Petroleum Institute (API)
to help you select the proper engine oil. The symbol will be included on
the oil container you purchase.
The top section of the symbol shows
the API service category
designation. This should be CH-4/SJ.
The center section of the API symbol
shows the SAE viscosity grade.
The lower section of the API symbol
will stateenergy conservingif the engine oil has been proven to have
fuel savings capabilities.
Use a Ford engine oil filter, part number FL-1995 or equivalent. This filter
protects your engine by filtering harmful, abrasive or sludge particles.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE
F˚ -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40
40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 -5 -10 -15 -20 -25 -30 C˚50 60 70 80 90 100
*15W-40 Preferred
10W-30
5W-30
0W-30Preferred
APISERVICECG-4/SHSAE15W-40
Maintenance and care
162