Page 9 of 72
The vehicle may be driven with the engine air filter warning light
illuminated/or when the underhood air filter restriction gauge has moved
to the CHANGE FILTER mark for up to 400 km (250 miles) without
damaging the engine or related components. However, the air filter
element must be replaced at the earliest opportunity. Refer toAir filter
restriction gauge (if equipped)in this section of the supplement for
more information.
Transmission Tow/Haul Feature
(if equipped):Illuminates when
the Tow/Haul feature has been
selected. Refer to theDriving
chapter for transmission function and operation. If the light flashes
steadily or does not illuminate, have the transmission serviced soon, or
damage may occur.
Air filter restriction gauge (if equipped)
The restriction gauge, located on
the upper housing of the air cleaner
assembly, monitors the condition of
the air filter element in two ways:
•First, the colored indictor inside
the gauge highlights the
percentage that the air filter
element is clogged with dust or
contaminants. Refer to
Maintenance and Specifications
section of this supplement.
•Second, the gauge contains an
electrical switch which illuminates
a warning light on the instrument
cluster when the air filter element
is 100% clogged. Refer to the
Engine air filterwarning light in
this section of the supplement.
Check the air filter restriction gauge
whenever the hood is raised to
perform general engine maintenance at least every 7,500 miles (12,000
km). If the vehicle is operated in extremely dusty conditions, check the
gauge at least every 500 miles (800 km), or two weeks, whichever comes
first.
AIRFILTERRESTAA
CHANGE FILTER
PUSH BUTTON RESET75%
50%65%
Instrumentation
9
Page 45 of 72
The complexity of the diesel engine makes it so the owner is discouraged
from attempting to perform maintenance other than the services
described in this supplement.
If you experience difficult starting, rough idling, excessive exhaust
smoke, a decrease in engine performance or excess fuel consumption,
perform the following checks:
•a plugged air inlet system or engine air filter element.
•water in the fuel filter/water separator.
•a clogged fuel filter.
•contaminated fuel.
•air in the fuel system, due to loose connections.
•an open or pinched sensor hose.
•low engine oil level.
•wrong fuel or oil viscosity for climactic conditions.
If these checks do not help you correct the engine performance problem
you are experiencing, consult an authorized dealer.
FUELING
Do not use starting fluid such as ether or gasoline in the diesel
air intake system. Such fluids can cause immediate explosive
damage to the engine and possible personal injury.
If you fuel your vehicle at a truck stop, you may notice that the fuel
nozzle may shut off every 5–10 seconds. This is due to the flow rates
being designed for larger heavy duty trucks. You may have to fuel at a
slower rate (don’t depress the nozzle trigger fully).
Do not run your diesel vehicle out of fuel as this will allow air to enter
the fuel system which will make restarting difficult. Longer engine
cranking time may be required once air is in the fuel system. If air enters
the fuel system (either through running the fuel tank(s) empty or during
a fuel filter change), the engine will self-purge the trapped air once it
starts running. The engine may run roughly and produce white smoke
while air is in the fuel system; this is normal and should stop after a
short time.
MINOR TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
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 5 (START) the lights become dim or go
Maintenance and Specifications
45
Page 52 of 72
Company’s specifications, and we stand behind them. Maintenance parts
installed at your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership carry a nationwide,
12 months, 12,000 mile parts and labor limited warranty. Your dealer can
give you details.
Value Shopping for Your Vehicle’s Maintenance Needs
Your dealership recognizes the competitive landscape of maintenance and
light repair automotive services. With factory-trained technicians, and
one-stop service from routine maintenance like oil changes and tire
rotations to repairs like brake service, check out the value your Ford and
Lincoln Mercury dealers can offer.
WHICH MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE SHOULD YOU FOLLOW?
Owner Checks and Services
Refer to Mileage Intervals for Additional Checks and Services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
by the owner or a service technician at the intervals indicated. Service
information and supporting specifications are provided in the Owner’s
Guide.
Any adverse condition should be brought to the attention of your dealer
or qualified service technician as soon as possible for the proper service
advice. The owner maintenance service checks are generally not covered
by warranties so you may be charged for labor, parts or lubricants used.
Maximum Oil Change Interval:
Normal Schedule: 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever occurs first.
Special Operating Conditions: 5,000 miles, 6 months or 200 hours of
engine operation, see appropriate schedule.
Check every month:
•Check function of all interior and exterior lights
•Check tires for wear and adjust air pressure (including spare tire)
•Check engine oil level
•Check windshield washer fluid level
•Check and drain fuel filter/water separator
Check every six months:
•Check lap/shoulder belts and seat latches for wear and function
•Check that externally-mounted spare tire is tight (see Owner’s Guide)
General Owner’s Information
52
Page 53 of 72
•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