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.
On F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with a manual transmission,
refer toManual transmission shift speedsin theDrivingsection of
yourOwner’s Guidefor maximum vehicle speed in various gears. 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.
Introduction
5
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.
•Add Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored), VC-7–A (U.S., except CA and OR), VC-7–B
(CA and OR only), meeting Ford Specification
WSS-M97B51–A1.
Note:Use of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets, VC-6, may
darken 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, 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.
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“FULL COLD”level. For all other vehicles which have a
coolant degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to
Maintenance and Specifications
41
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 (a translucent 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“FULL COLD”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 (refer
toChecking engine coolant). 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 quart (1.0 liter) 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.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
42
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 section.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined inAdding engine coolant
in this section.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than–34°F[–36°C ]):
•It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
•NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
•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.
Maintenance and Specifications
43
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 5 (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 connection.
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 P (Park) or N (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,
refer toJump startingin theRoadside Emergencieschapter of your
Owner Guide(F-Super Duty and Excursion) or refer to theJump
startingsection of this supplement (E-Series).
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 turned to 4 (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 3
(OFF) and then back to 4 (ON) again.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
46
REFILL CAPACITIES
Component Capacity
Cooling system127.5 quarts (26.0L)
Engine oil215.0 quarts (14.2L)
Fuel tank (F-250/350/450/550) Refer to yourOwner’s
Guide
Fuel tank (Excursion) 44.0 gallons (166.6L)
Fuel tank (E-Series) Refer to yourOwner’s
Guide
Radiator cap 16 psi (110 kPa)
Manual transmission
35.8 quarts (5.5L)
Automatic transmission Refer to yourOwner’s
Guide
1Includes heater and 5.0 quarts (4.7L) in coolant recovery.
2Includes 1 quart (1.0L) in engine oil filter.
3Use Motorcraft MERCONATF, 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
Maintenance and Specifications
48
•Check power steering fluid level
•Check washer spray, wiper operation and clean all wiper blades
(replace as necessary)
•Check parking brake for proper operation
•Check and lubricate all hinges, latches and outside locks
•Check and lubricate door rubber weatherstrips
•Check and clean body and door drain holes
•Check safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, air bag, safety belt) for
operation
•Check cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
•Check battery connections and clean if necessary
•Check clutch fluid level, if equipped
Multi-point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right, it is important that you have
the systems on your vehicle checked regularly. This can help identify any
potential issue before there are any problems. Ford Motor Company
suggests the following multi-point inspection to be performed at every
scheduled maintenance as the way to ensure your vehicle keeps running
right.
Multi-point inspection - Recommended at every visit
•Check and top up fluid levels: brake, coolant recovery reservoir,
manual and automatic transmission, power steering and window
washer.
•Inspect tires for wear and check air pressure, including spare.
•Check exhaust system for leaks, damage, loose parts and foreign
materials.
•Check battery performance.
•Check operation of horn, exterior lamps, turn signals and hazard
warning lights.
•Check radiator, coolers and heater and air conditioning hoses.
•Inspect windshield washer spray and wiper operation.
•Check windshield for cracks, chips and pitting.
•Inspect for oil and fluid leaks.
•Inspect air cleaner filter.
General Owner’s Information
53
•Check shocks and struts and other suspension components for leaks
and damage.
NORMAL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND LOG
The following section contains the“Normal Schedule.”This schedule is
presented at specific mileage intervals with exceptions noted.
Additional information available on the Web
To learn more about the importance of routine and dealer-performed
maintenance on your vehicle, please visit the Ford Customer Service
website. You’ll also find important warranty information, customer
assistance, technical expertise, frequently asked questions and much
more. The website location is at: www.ford.com/
Then go to the vehicles and service pick at the web site.
7,500 miles (12,000 km)
•Change engine oil and replace oil filter
•Perform multi-point inspection (recommended)
•Inspect tires for wear and rotate
•Inspect air filter restriction gauge, replace filter as required
Date:
Odometer reading:
R.O.#Dealer’s Stamp:
15,000 miles (24,000 km)
•Change engine oil and replace oil filter
•Replace engine- and frame-mounted fuel filters
•Perform multi-point inspection (recommended)
•Inspect tires for wear and rotate
•Inspect air filter restriction gauge, replace filter as required
•Inspect and lubricate steering linkage, ball joints, suspension,
driveshaft and u-joints.
•Inspect engine cooling system and hoses
•Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake lines and hoses and
parking brake system.
General Owner’s Information
54