2003 FORD SUPER DUTY reset

The air filter element should be
replaced when the colored band on
the gauge reaches the CHANGE
FILTER mark. Engine performance
and fuel economy are adversely
affected when maximum restriction
is reached. After servicing the air
filter element, reset the restriction
gauge by pressing the button on the
end of the gauge.
Air filter restriction gauge, F-250/350/450/550 & Excursion
The restriction gauge, located on
the upper housing of the air cleaner
assembly, monitors the condition of
the air filter element in two ways:
First, the colored indictor inside the
gauge highlights the percentage that
the air filter element is clogged with
dust or contaminants. Refer to
Engine CompartmentinService
Pointschapter.
Second, the gauge contains an electrical switch which illuminates a
warning light on the instrument cluster when the air filter element is
100% clogged. Refer toF-250/350/450/550, ExcursioninWarning
Lightschapter.
Check the air filter restriction gauge whenever the hood is raised to
perform general engine maintenance. If the vehicle is operated in
extremely dusty conditions, check the gauge at least every 800 km (500
miles), or two weeks, whichever comes first.
The air filter element must be
replaced when the colored band on
the gauge reaches the CHANGE
FILTER mark. Engine performance
and fuel economy are adversely
affected when the maximum
restriction is reached.
AIRFILTERGAUGECHANGEFILTERCHANGEFILTER
Diesel information
6

Blowing-out the air filter element with compressed air is not
recommended as the compressed air may damage the filter paper.
Note:It is not possible to determine the level of filter clogging by visual
appearance alone. A filter which appears to be dirty may actually have
several thousand kilometers (miles) of life remaining.
Always use the underhood air filter restriction gauge or engine
air filter warning light on the instrument cluster to determine
when the air filter element needs to be changed.
After servicing the air filter element,
reset the restriction gauge by
pressing the button on the end of
the gauge.
Note:If the vehicle is operated in a heavy snow storm, in blowing snow
or the vehicle is equipped with a snowplow, the engine air filter element
may become partially clogged with snow and/or ice. If this occurs, the air
filter restriction gauge will move to the CHANGE FILTER mark and the
engine may experience a significant reduction in power output. The
vehicle may be driven under these conditions for up to 160 km (100
miles) without damage to the engine or related components.
At the earliest opportunity, clear all snow and ice from the air induction
system and replace the air filter element, or remove the element and dry
it out. Reset the restriction gauge by pressing the button on the end of
the gauge.
The air filter warning light on the instrument cluster may be used, in
addition to the underhood restriction gauge, to monitor the condition of
the air filter element. Refer to theWarning Lightschapter.
Diesel information
7

4. When the engine starts, release the key. The glow plugs will continue
to be activated for up to two minutes. If the engine is not started before
the activation ceases, the glow plug system must be reset by turning the
ignition key to OFF.
5. After the engine starts, allow it to idle for about 15 seconds. (Do not
increase engine speed until the oil pressure gauge indicates normal
pressure.)
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition to OFF. To prolong engine life (after extended high
speed or maximum GVW operation), it is recommended that a hot engine
be allowed to operate at low idle for about 7–10 minutes which would
allow sufficient time for the turbocharged engine to cool down.
COLD WEATHER OPERATION
Changing to a lighter grade engine oil also makes starting easier under
these conditions. Refer toEngine Oil Specificationsin theGeneral
maintenance informationchapter.
At temperatures below–7°C (20°F), Number 2–D Diesel fuel may
thicken enough to clog the fuel filter. Your engine is equipped with a fuel
filter/heater/water/separator to keep the wax melted which will help
prevent fuel filter clogging. However, if the engine starts but stalls after a
short time and will not restart, the fuel filter may be clogged. For best
results in cold weather, use Number 1–D Diesel fuel or“winterized”
Number 2–D Diesel fuel which has an additive to minimize wax
formation.
Your vehicle is also equipped with a bypass relief valve, located on the
in-tank fuel sending unit, which provides fuel flow to the engine if the
fuel pickup should become plugged by ice or wax. To allow this bypass
valve to function and avoid engine fuel starvation, it is recommended
that, during cold weather operation 0°C (32°F) or below, the fuel level in
your tank should not be allowed to drop below 1/4 full. This will help
prevent air from entering the fuel system and stalling the engine.
In cold weather below 0°C (32°F) your Diesel engine will slowly increase
to a higher idle speed if left idling in P (Park). The sound of the engine
may change also, as an exhaust device engages to improve heater
performance and reduce exhaust smoke.
Starting
11

4.On E-Series models,open fuel filter drain valve by pulling on the
release handle. Allow to drain for approximately 25 seconds or until
clean fuel is observed. Close filter drain valve by resetting handle to
original position.
5. Verify that the fuel filter drain valve is closed. If removed, install the
engine appearance cover.
6. Close the hood and remove the container from under the vehicle.
7. Restart the engine and check WATER IN FUEL indicator light. The
light should not glow. If it continues to glow, have fuel system checked
and repaired.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
mileage intervals listed in the scheduled maintenance guide. The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and water, which
equates to a freeze point of -36°C (-34°F). Coolant concentration
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the
General maintenance information
36

IF THE ENGINE WON’T CRANK
Turn on the headlights. If the lights are dim, do not go on at all or if
when the ignition is turned to START the lights become dim or go out,
the battery connections may be loose or corroded, or the battery may be
discharged. If there is a clicking or stuttering sound coming from the
engine compartment when you turn the key to START, this may also
indicate a loose or corroded battery connection.
Check the battery connections at the battery posts, cable connection to
the engine grounding point and at the starter relay terminals. Also, make
sure the relay bracket is securely fastened to its mounting surface.
If the starter relay clicks, but the starter does not crank, check the
connections at the starter terminal. If a discharged battery is suspected,
have it checked and corrected.
•For vehicles with manual transmissions, the clutch pedalmustbe fully
depressed in order for the starter to operate.
•For vehicles with automatic transmissions, the gearshift lever must be
in Park or Neutral in order for the starter to operate.
•Try operating the starter switch several times. Should the switch be
corroded, this operation may clean the contacts or make the switch
temporarily operable until you can reach the dealer.
•If all electrical connections are tight and you need assistance to start,
see“Jump Starting Your Vehicle”.
IF ENGINE CRANKS BUT WON’T START
Prolonged starter cranking (in excess of 30 seconds) could cause
damage to the starter motor.
•Check the fuel gauge. You may be out of fuel. If the gauge shows that
there is fuel in the tank, the trouble may be in the electrical system or
the fuel system. If equipped with an auxiliary tank, be sure that the
tank control switch is set for the tank with fuel and not on an empty
tank.
•Leaving the ignition key ON for over two minutes without starting may
make starting difficult because the glow plugs will cease activation.
Reset the system by turning the ignition key to OFF and then back to
ON again.
Minor troubleshooting guide
46