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Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Panic Alarm
Engine 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 capLow tire warning
Introduction
7
Page 10 of 256

If theService Engine Soonlight remains on, have your vehicle serviced
at the first available opportunity.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the fuel system, interior floor coverings or other
vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
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 theDrivingchapter.
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.
ENGINE
PROTECT
STOP
ENGINE
Instrument Cluster
10
Page 17 of 256

Engine oil pressure gauge
Indicates engine oil pressure. At
normal operating temperature, the
needle will be in the normal range
(the area between the ªLº and ªHº);
if the needle goes below the normal
range, stop the vehicle as soon as
safely possible and switch off the
engine immediately. Check the oil
level. Add oil if needed (refer to
Engine oilin theMaintenance
and specificationschapter). 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:
²a warning buzzer sounds
²the 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
Instrument Cluster
17
Page 109 of 256

After the engine starts:
²On some engines, theWait to
startlight 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 theWait to startlight 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 specificationschapter.
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.
WAIT
TO
START
L
H
Driving
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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 -23É C
(-10É 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.
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.
L
H
Driving
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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.
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.
H
C
Driving
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WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer fluid
Inspect the solution level in the
washer reservoir when insufficient
solution is sprayed.
Use 3.8L (4.0 quarts) of
UltraÐClear Windshield Washer
Concentrate or a washer fluid that
meets the Ford specification listed.
Refer toLubricant specifications
in this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile
organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle's paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
Do not put engine coolant or antifreeze in the washer fluid
reservoir. Engine coolant or antifreeze can severely reduce
visibility if sprayed on the windshield.
ENGINE OIL
Checking engine oil levelÐCummins B and Caterpillar 3126 B
engines
Refer to the appropriate engine operator's manual for information on the
engine oil.
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).
Maintenance and Specifications
183
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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.
For normal or severe service, use Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil
conforming to Ford Specification WSS-M2C171±C or API Service
categories CH-4, CH-4/SJ or CH-4/SL. If CH-4 oil is not available, CG-4 is
acceptable.
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 Specifications
185