2004 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS service indicator

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulb works. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, have the
respective system inspected immediately.
Service engine soon:TheService
engine soonindicator light
illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the ON position to check
the bulb. Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the On
Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
F
E
CH H
L
18
8
PRN 21LOW
FUEL
BRAKE!
BRAKE!+ -+ -000000000
0
50
60
70
20
10
0 3040
80
90
100
20406080
100
120
140
180
MPH km/h
1
02
RPMx1000
3
4
5
6
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOONABSFUEL
RESETDOOR
AJARBRAKE
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
2004 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement
USA English(fus)
Instrumentation
Instrumentation
8

P (Park)
This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
•Depress the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
(Overdrive)
The normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through four.
(Overdrive) can be deactivated
by pressing the transmission control
switch on the end of the gearshift
lever.
This transmission control indicator
light (TCIL) will illuminate on the
end of the gearshift.
Note:If the Overdrive OFF light
flashes steadily at any time, have the system serviced immediately.
OVERDRIVEOFF
OVERDRIVE
2004 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement
USA English(fus)
Driving
29

ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
•If the oil level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks,the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level is below the MIN mark, add enough oil to raise the level
within the MIN-MAX range.
•Oil levels above the MAX mark may cause engine damage. Some oil
must be removed from the engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2004 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and specifications
69

It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the“level indicator”.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
2004 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and specifications
71

How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•The
symbol will
illuminate.
•The
symbol will illuminate.
•TheService Engine Soon
indicator light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to a service facility.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to a service facility.
H
C
2004 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and specifications
78

Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated“cleaner-burning”gasolines to
improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
•Your“Service Engine Soon”indicator may come on. For more
information on the“Service Engine Soon”indicator, refer to the
Instrument clusterchapter.
Fuel filter replacement
The fuel filter assembly is located inside the driver side frame rail, near
the transmission.
The fuel filter should be replaced every 24 000 km (15 000 miles).
Removal
If the fuel filter is being serviced with the rear of the vehicle
higher than the front, or if the fuel tank is pressurized, fuel
leakage or siphoning from the tank fuel tubes could occur. To prevent
this condition, maintain the vehicle front end at or above the level of
the rear of the vehicle.
Do not smoke or carry lighted tobacco or open flame of any type
when working on or near any fuel related component. Highly
flammable mixtures are always present and may be ignited, resulting in
possible personal injury.
Fuel in the fuel system remains under high pressure even when
the engine is not running. Before servicing or disconnecting any
of the fuel lines or fuel system components, the fuel system pressure
must be relieved in order to prevent accidental spraying of fuel,
causing personal injury or a fire hazard.
2004 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and specifications
82

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.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level on the
dipstick. It should be between the
arrows in the FULL range on the
side of the dipstick with the words
MAX. HOT at the top. Do not add
fluid if the level is within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the FULL range. Be sure to put the dipstick
back in the reservoir.
ADD MAX. HOTFULL
2004 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and specifications
90