2004 FORD E SERIES light

Operation in snow
Vehicle operation in heavy snowfall or in dry loose snow that may swirl
around the front of the vehicle may feed excessive amounts of snow into
the air intake system. This could plug the air cleaner with snow and
cause the engine to stall.
Refer toAir filter restriction gaugein theDiesel informationchapter
and Engine air filter in theWarning lightschapter for more information.
Operation in standing water
Ingestion of water into the Diesel engine can result in immediate and
severe damage to the engine. If driving through water, slow down to
avoid splashing water into the intake. If the engine stalls, and ingestion
of water into the engine is suspected, do not try to restart the engine.
Consult your dealer for service immediately. Follow the cylinder
compression test procedure outlined in the Workshop Manual, then
check the engine oil for contamination.
Engine block heater (if equipped)
Refer to theStartingchapter in your Owner Guide.
Starting
12

SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
The Scheduled Maintenance Services in the scheduled maintenance
guide are required because they are considered essential to the life and
performance of your vehicle.
Use only recommended fuel, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to Ford specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and
built for best performance in your vehicle.
CLEANING THE ENGINE
Engines are more efficient when they are clean because grease and dirt
buildup keep the engine warmer than normal. When washing:
•The engine must be cool to the touch before spraying with water.
•Never spray a hot engine with cold water, as damage to the
engine block or engine components may occur.
•Use caution when using a self-serve power washer (1,000 psi
maximum pressure) to clean the engine, as the high-pressure fluid
could penetrate the sealed parts and cause damage.
•Never apply anything to any exposed belts in the engine
compartment, including the belt dressing.
For general cleaning of the engine and engine compartment, spray
Engine Shampoo (ZC-20) on all parts that require cleaning and pressure
rinse the area with cool water.
Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning the
engine(never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water
in the running engine may cause internal damage):
General maintenance information
25

Do not handle a hot oil filter with bare hands.
Clean the filter mounting area on the oil cooler, lightly coat the gasket
surface of the new filter with clean engine oil and hand tighten until the
gasket contacts the base.Then tighten another 1–1/4 to 2 turns.Fill
the crankcase and run the engine to check for leaks.
Continuous contact with USED motor oil has caused cancer in
laboratory mice. Protect your skin by washing with soap and
water.
Engine lubrication for severe service operation
The following severe service operating conditions require unique engine
maintenance procedures:
•towing a trailer over 1,600 km (1,000 miles)
•sustained, high speed driving at Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(maximum loaded weight for vehicle operation during hot
weather-above 32°C [90°F]).
•frequent or extended idling (over 10 minutes per hour of normal
driving).
•operating in severe dust conditions.
•frequent, short trips of 16 km (10 miles) or less during freezing
weather
If you are operating your vehicle under any of these conditions, observe
the following service procedures:
•Change engine oil and filter every 5,000 km (3,000 miles).
•Use Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil conforming to Ford
Specification WSS-M2C171–C or API categories CH-4, CH-4/SJ,
CH-4/SL or DHD-1. If CH-4 oil is not available, CG-4 is acceptable..
For more information refer theSevere Duty Maintenance Schedulein
the“Service Guide”.
REPLACING THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT
When replacing the air filter element, use the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer toLubricant and Maintenance Materials
Specificationsin this supplement.
General maintenance information
33

Failure to use the correct air filter element may result in severe
engine damage.
1. Remove air filter element from the housing, taking care to prevent dirt
from falling into the engine air intake.
2. Clean the air filter housing and cover to ensure good sealing.
3. Install a new air filter element. Be careful not to crimp the filter edges
between the air filter housing and cover. This could cause damage to the
air filter element and possible severe damage to the engine.
When servicing the air filter, always be sure that the rubber
water drain hose is not kinked or obstructed. Failure to do so
may result in severe engine damage when driving through deep
water and/or encountering unusually heavy precipitation
conditions.
FUEL FILTER/WATER SEPARATOR
The engine is equipped with a combination fuel filter/water separator
located in the“V”of the engine.
•E-Series
•F-250/350/450/550, Excursion
Water should be drained from the
filter bowl whenever the warning
light comes on or every 8 000 km
(5 000 miles). The WATER IN FUEL light will come on when
approximately 100 cc (0.2 pints) of water accumulates in the separator.
Replace the fuel filter with Motorcraft Part No. FD-4596 (Ford Part No.
F81Z-9N184–AA).
Fuel filter/water separator drain procedure
1. Stop the vehicle andshut offthe engine.
The vehicle must be stopped with the engine off when draining
the fuel filter/water separator. Fuel may ignite if separator is
drained while the engine is running or vehicle is moving.
General maintenance information
34

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

•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.
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.
General maintenance information
39

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

REFILL CAPACITIES
Component Capacity
Cooling system (E-Series)1, 2, 328.5L (30.0 quarts)
Cooling system (F-Series and Excursion)1, 331.0L (32.75 quarts)
Engine oil414.2 L (15.0 quarts)
Fuel tank (F-Series) Refer to Owner Guide
Fuel tank (Excursion) 166.6L (44.0 gallons)
Fuel tank (E-Series)
5132.5L (35.0 gallons)
Radiator cap 90 kPa (13 psi)
Manual transmission
65.5L (5.8 quarts)
Automatic transmission Refer to Owner Guide
1Includes heater and 4.7L (5 quarts) in coolant recovery.
2Add 2.5L (2.6 quarts) if equipped with auxiliary heater option.
3Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle. For vehicles
filled with Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant (green-colored) add
1.89L (4 pints) of supplemental coolant additive, FW-16 or equivalent,
meeting Ford Specification ESN-M99B169–A.
4Includes 1.9L (2 quarts) in engine oil filter.
5Optional DRW cutaway and all standard E-450 models are 208.2L (55.0
gallons).
6Use 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
48