2003 FORD SUPER DUTY cooling

Fast start glow plug system
The glow plug system consists of:
•eight glow plugs
•the glow plug control module (GPCM)
•engine oil temperature (EOT) sensor
•barometric pressure (BARO) sensor
The glow plug system is
electronically controlled by the
PCM. The GPCM energizes the glow
plugs immediately after the ignition
is placed in the ON position, then determines how long the glow plugs
will be on according to the EOT and BARO sensors. The required time
for the glow plugs to be energized decreases as the engine oil
temperature and barometric pressure increase.
Engine cooling system
The cooling system contains an engine oil cooler which is mounted in the
center valley of the engine. The cooler’s function is to regulate engine oil
temperature.
Engine governed speed
The engine governor is controlled by the PCM. The PCM controls fuel
input to limit maximum engine speed. It will not, however, prevent
engine overspeeding resulting from downshifting at high vehicle speed or
by descending steep grades at too high a vehicle speed for the selected
transmission gear.
For maximum vehicle speed in various gears, refer toManual
transmission shift speedsin theDriving tipschapter. Do not exceed
3,600 rpm. Maximum engine governed speed is 4,000 rpm depending on
engine load. Excessive rpm can only be achieved by manually
downshifting at too high of a vehicle speed.
Operating the engine beyond the governed speed can cause
severe engine damage.
Diesel information
5

When the engine is cold, check the level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
•The engine coolant should be at the“cold fill level”or within the“cold
fill range”as listed on the engine coolant reservoir (depending upon
application).
•Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for service interval
schedules.
•Be sure to read and understandPrecautions when servicing your
vehiclein your owner guide.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer toAdding
engine coolantin this chapter.
Note:Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified function and
vehicle location.
Vehicles with Diesel engines typically are used to carry heavy loads and
accumulate mileage rapidly. These two factors cause the additives in the
coolant to“wear out”in a shorter time. Replace the engine coolant
initially after five years or 100,000 miles and three years or 50,000 miles
thereafter. Vehicles equipped with the yellow coolant do not require any
additives.
Adding engine coolant
When adding coolant, make sure it is a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and distilled water. Add the mixture to the coolant reservoir,when the
engine is cool, until the appropriate fill level is obtained.
Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot. Steam and
scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system can burn you
badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts.
Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer fluid
container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
General maintenance information
32

The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with yellow-colored
Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant meeting Ford Specification
WSS-M97B51–A1.
•Add Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored), VC-7–A (VC-7–B in Oregan).
Note:Use of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets, VC-6,
darkens the color of Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from
yellow to golden tan.
•Do not add/mix an orange-colored, extended life coolant such
as Motorcraft Speciality Orange Engine Coolant, VC-2 (US) or
CXC-209 (Canada), meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44–D
with the factory-filled coolant.Mixing Motorcraft Speciality Orange
Engine Coolant or any orange-colored extended life product with your
factory filled coolant can result in degraded corrosion protection.
•A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case
of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
•Do not use alcohol, methanol or brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant).Alcohol
and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant.These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
•Do not mix with recycled coolant unless from a Ford-approved
recycling process (seeUse of recycled engine coolantsection).
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
water to the“cold full”level. For all other vehicles, which have a coolant
degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to remove the
coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with an overflow
system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
General maintenance information
33

To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the engine is
cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap. The
cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out
forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (an semi-clear plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) 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.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture (see
above), to within the“cold fill range”or the“cold full”level on the
reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill the
radiator until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. (Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.)
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration see
Checking engine coolantsection). If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to–34°F/–36°C), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 liter (1.0 quart) of engine coolant per
month, have your dealer check the engine cooling system. Your cooling
system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low level of coolant
can result in engine overheating and possible engine damage.
General maintenance information
34

Replacing coolant
A coolant mixture of 50% coolant concentrate and 50% water is
recommended to maintain best overall performance. To avoid damaging
the engine and radiator, the coolant concentrate should not exceed 60%.
When refilling the coolant system either as part of the regular
maintenance (refer to the scheduled maintenance guide), or due to
service performed, adhere to the following instructions:
1. Drain and flush the cooling system to remove dirt deposits, oil, rust
particles.
2. Fill the coolant reservoir with the specified coolant/water mixture until
the level stabilizes at the top hose fitting. Replace and tighten cap. Fill
the coolant bottle to the cold fill mark.
3. Reinstall the coolant bottle cap.
4. Start and idle engine until the radiator upper hose is warm
(approximately 10–15 minutes). If the hose does not get warm then
repeat at a higher engine speed.
5. Immediately shut off engine. Allow engine to cool before removing
coolant bottle cap. Cautiously remove coolant bottle cap and add coolant
to Cold Fill mark.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant in vehicles originally equipped with Motorcraft Premium Gold
Engine Coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate
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 this chapter.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined inAdding engine coolant.
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%.
General maintenance information
35

•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.
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.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM(S) LAWS
Federal law prohibits vehicle manufacturers, dealers and other persons
engaged in the business of repairing, servicing, selling, leasing or trading
motor vehicles as well as fleet operations from unknowingly removing or
rendering emission control system(s) inoperative. Further, modifications
of the emission control system(s) could create liability on the part of the
individual owners under the laws of some states. In Canada,
modifications of the emission control system(s) could create liability
under applicable Federal or Provincial laws.
Do not remove or alter the original equipment floor covering or
insulation between it and the metal floor of the vehicle. The floor
covering and insulation protect occupants of the vehicle from the engine
and exhaust system heat and noise. On vehicles with no original
equipment floor covering insulation, do not carry passengers in a manner
that permits prolonged skin contact with the metal floor. Provide
adequate insulation.
General maintenance information
36

IF THE ENGINE RUNS HOT
The following could cause the engine to overheat:
•Lack of coolant.
•Dirty cooling system.
•Plugged radiator fins, charge air cooler, A/C condenser and/or oil
cooler.
•Driving with frozen coolant.
•Sticking thermostat.
•Overloading or pulling heavy trailers during hot weather.
•Grill or radiator air blockage.
•Slipping or missing drive belt.
•Plugged or very dirty air cleaner element.
IF FUSES BURN OUT
Burned-out or blown fuses usually indicate an electrical short-circuit,
although a fuse may occasionally burn out from vibration. Insert a second
fuse. If this fuse immediately burns out and you cannot locate the cause,
return your vehicle to your dealer for a circuit check.
Replacement fuses and circuit breakers must always be the same
rating as the original equipment shown. Never replace a fuse or
circuit breaker with one of a higher rating. Higher rated fuses or circuit
breakers could allow circuit overloading in the event of a circuit
malfunction, resulting in severe vehicle damage or personal injury.
Refer to the“Owner Guide”for replacement of fuses.
Minor troubleshooting guide
41

REFILL CAPACITIES
Component Capacity
Cooling system126.0L (27.5 quarts)
Engine oil214.2L (15.0 quarts)
Fuel tank (F-250/350/450/550) Refer to Owner Guide
Fuel tank (Excursion) 166.6L (44.0 gallons)
Radiator cap 110 kPa (16 psi)
Manual transmission
35.5L (5.8 quarts)
Automatic transmission Refer to Owner Guide
1Includes heater and 4.7L (5 quarts) in coolant recovery.
2Includes 1.0L (1 quart) in engine oil filter.
3Use Motorcraft MERCON
ATF, Motorcraft part number XT-2–QDX,
meeting Ford specification MERCON
.
BULB SPECIFICATIONS
Lamp descriptionNumber of bulbs
requiredTrade number
Wait to Start Light 1 194
Water-in-Fuel Light 1 194
Engine Temp. Light 1 194
Capacities and specifications
42