•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle scheduled maintenance guide.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12–16 km (8–10 miles) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
2004 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
196
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On
Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II). This OBD-II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle. When theCheck
Engine/Service Engine Soonlight illuminates, the OBD-II system has
detected a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause yourCheck
Engine/Service Engine Soonlight to illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or properly tightening the fuel cap. After three
driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions
present, theCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonlight should turn off.
(A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed
city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.
If theCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonlight remains on, have your
vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your“Check Engine/Service Engine
Soon”light is on, refer to the description in theWarning lights and
chimessection of theInstrument clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the“Check Engine/Service Engine Soon”light on.
2004 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
198
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a“not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONAT F.
Check the fluid level when it is at ambient temperature, 20°–80°F (-7°
–25°C):
1. Check the fluid level on the dipstick. It should be between the arrows
in the FULL COLD range. Do not add fluid if the level is within this
range.
FULL COLD
2004 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
199
2. If the fluid level is low, start the engine.
3. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
4. Turn the engine off.
For E-450 and E-550 vehicles with the Hydro-Boost Brake
System, do not press the brake pedal after the engine has been
turned off.
5. Recheck the fluid level on the dipstick. Do not add fluid if the level is
between the arrows in the FULL COLD range.
6. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the FULL COLD range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the“MAX”line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised, seek
service from your dealer immediately.
DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
Your vehicle may be equipped with universal joints that require
lubrication. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for maintenance
intervals. If the original universal joints are replaced with universal joints
equipped with grease fittings, lubrication will also be necessary.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
M
AX
2004 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
200
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
2004 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
201
5Optional fuel tank 208L (55 gallon).
6Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. Check the container to verify the fluid being added is of the
correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such as
MERCONand MERCONV. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCONtype
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCONV type fluid.
MERCONand MERCONV type fluids are not interchangeable.
DO NOT mix MERCONand MERCONV. Use of a transmission
fluid that indicates dual usage (MERCONand MERCONV) in
an automatic transmission application requiring MERCONmay
cause transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
7Approximate dry fill capacity including transmission fluid cooling
system, actual refill capacities will vary based on vehicle application and
transmission fluid cooling system (i.e. coolers size, cooling lines. auxiliary
cooler capacities). The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level
should be set by the indication on the dipstick’s normal operating range.
8If your vehicle is equipped with a single row radiator, there will be a
label on the top side of the radiator indicating“1 Row Radiator”.
9Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine
oil need only meet the requirements of Ford specification
WSS-M2C153–H and the API Certification mark.
2004 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
221
A
Accessory delay ..........................63
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................89
and child safety seats ..............91
description ................................89
disposal ......................................93
driver air bag ............................91
indicator light ...........................93
operation ...................................91
passenger air bag .....................91
Air cleaner filter .......202–203, 217
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................184
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................112
Audio system
(see Radio) ................15, 17, 19, 22
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................116
fluid, adding ............................200
fluid, checking ........................200
fluid, refill capacities ..............218
fluid, specification ..................225
Auxiliary power point .................62
Axle
lubricant specifications ..222, 225
refill capacities ........................218
traction lok ..............................113
B
Battery .......................................178
acid, treating emergencies .....178
disconnecting ..........................180
jumping a disabled battery ....151maintenance-free ....................178
replacement, specifications ...217
servicing ..................................178
BeltMinder ...................................84
Brakes ........................................111
anti-lock ...................................112
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................112
fluid, checking and adding ....200
fluid, refill capacities ..............218
fluid, specifications .........222, 225
lubricant specifications ..222, 225
parking ....................................112
shift interlock ..........................115
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................53
C
Calculating load ........................123
Capacities for refilling fluids ....218
Cassette tape player ...................22
CD-single premium .....................15
Cell phone use ............................62
Child safety restraints ................94
child safety belts ......................94
Child safety seats ........................97
in front seat ..............................98
in rear seat ................................98
tether anchorage hardware ...101
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............167
exterior ....................................170
instrument panel ....................169
interior .....................................169
interior trim ............................169
plastic parts ............................168
safety belts ..............................169
2004 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
Index
234
washing ....................................166
waxing .....................................166
wheels ......................................167
wiper blades ............................168
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......47, 49
Clock ..........................15, 17, 19, 22
Clock adjust
AM/FM .......................................19
AM/FM Stereo ...........................19
AM/FM/CD .................................22
Compass, electronic ....................60
calibration .................................61
set zone adjustment .................61
Console
overhead ....................................59
Controls
power seat .................................74
Coolant
checking and adding ..............184
refill capacities ................187, 218
specifications ..................222, 225
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................65
Customer Assistance ................132
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................170
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................159
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............163
Getting roadside assistance ...132
Getting the service you
need .........................................157
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................164
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................159Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................162
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................50
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................200
engine oil .................................175
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........222
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................200
Driving under special
conditions ..................................119
through water .........................119
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................151
Emergency Flashers .................133
Emission control system ..........197
Engine ................................225–226
cleaning ...................................167
coolant .....................................184
diesel ...........................................6
fail-safe coolant ......................188
idle speed control ...................178
lubrication
specifications ..................222, 225
refill capacities ........................218
service points ..........................174
starting after a collision .........133
Engine block heater .................111
Engine oil ..................................175
2004 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
235