STARTING THE ENGINE
Read all starting instructions carefully before you start your vehicle.
For temperatures below 0°C (32°F), the use of the correct grade engine
oil is essential for proper operation.
If your vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission, make sure the
parking brake is set fully before you turn the key. Depress the clutch
pedal and place the gearshift in the neutral position. The clutch must be
fully depressed in order to operate the starter. Do not press the
accelerator during starting.
If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, ensure the
gearshift lever is in P (Park) and the parking brake is set before you turn
the key. Do not press the accelerator during starting.
COLD WEATHER STARTING
Do not crank the engine for more than 30 seconds at a time as starter
damage may occur. If the engine fails to start, turn the key to OFF and
wait 30 seconds before trying again.
Do not use starting fluid such as ether in the air intake system (see Air
Cleaner Decal). Such fluid could cause immediate explosive damage to
the engine and possible personal injury.
Do not add gasoline, gasohol or alcohol to Diesel fuel. This practice
creates a serious fire hazard and causes engine performance problems.
1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For
more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer toSeating
and safety restraintschapter in the owner guide.
2. Make sure the headlamps and vehicle accessories are off.
3. Turn the key to the ON position. When the WAIT TO START light
goes off, turn the key to START. (For Canadian vehicles, the daytime
running lamps will be on if the parking brake is not applied and the key
is turned to ON.)
•E-Series
•F-250/350/450/550, Excursion
Starting
10
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
F-SERIES AND EXCURSION ENGINE COMPARTMENT
1. Battery (dual batteries shown)
2. Engine coolant recovery reservoir
3. Engine oil filler
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Automatic transmission dipstick (if equipped)
6. Fuel filter drain valve
7. Clutch fluid reservoir (if equipped)
8. Brake fluid reservoir
9. Air filter restriction gauge
10. Air filter assembly
11. Power steering fluid reservoir
12. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
Service points
51
