Underbody of vehicle
Driveshaft:Make sure that the driveshaft is not bent or
cracked. Ensure all driveshaft couplings are
secure.
Exhaust system:Make sure the outside visible parts are
securely mounted. Make sure there are no
cracks, holes or severe dents.
Frame:Check for cracks or bends in longitudinal
frame members. Make sure there are no loose,
cracked, bent, broken or missing
crossmembers or crossmember fasteners.
Maintain adequate clearance between all parts of the exhaust
system and all hoses, wires and lines for engine cooling, brake
system, fuel system, power steering system and electrical system, Heat
damage to hoses, wires or lines may cause vehicle malfunction that
could result in property damage, personal injury or death.
Rear of vehicle
Air/Electric lines:Make sure that air hoses are not cut, cracked,
chafed or worn. Listen for audible air leaks,
Make sure air and electrical lines are not
tangled, crimped or pinched or being dragged
against any truck parts. Electrical line
insulation should not be cut, cracked, chafed
or worn. None of the air or electrical line
should be spliced or taped. Check for
corrosion on pins and in electrical sockets to
ensure continuity and reduced heat build-up
potential.
Deck plate:Make sure deck plate is clean, securely bolted
to the frame and clear of loose objects.
Signal/Brake lights:Make sure both brake lights illuminate when
the brake pedal is applied. Also, make sure
each signal flashes. Make sure that four-way
flashers work properly.
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a buildup of heavy deposits of carbon and rust on valve stems causing
them to stick which, in turn, can cause valvetrain damage.
The following cold weather idling guidelines must be followed:
•Avoid idling the engine for more than 10 minutes at a time.
•Use a minimum of 45 Cetane Diesel fuel or use Cetane Index
improvers from a reputable manufacturer.
•Maintain a minimum idle of 1250 RPM by using the hand throttle.
Always make sure that the parking brake is applied and the
transmission is in neutral before applying the hand throttle.
•Maintain the engine cooling system properly.
•Do not shut the engine down after an extensive idling period (10
minutes or more). Drive the vehicle under load for several miles at
normal operating temperatures to burn off any accumulated carbon
and varnish.
•Consider using an engine block heater, approved winter fronts and/or
radiator shutters where conditions warrant.
Winter fronts
The use of winter fronts, or other air-restrictive devices mounted in front
of the radiator on vehicles with chassis-mounted charge air coolers, are
not recommended unless extremely cold weather conditions exist. Air
flow restriction can cause high exhaust temperatures, power loss,
excessive fan usage and a reduction in fuel economy. If you must use a
winter front, the device should have a permanent opening of at least 120
sq in. (774 sq. cm) directly in line with the fan hub.
Hot weather operation
•Keep the engine cooling system filled with a clean, permanent coolant
solution to protect against damage from overheating.
•Fill the fuel tank at the end of daily operation to prevent condensation
in the fuel system.
•Keep external surfaces of the engine, radiator, charge air cooler, A/C
condenser and accessories clean to avoid dirt build-up.
Above normal coolant temperatures could be experienced while driving
in a transmission gear ratio which lugs the engine. To correct this
problem, engine speed should be increased by downshifting in to the
next lower gear to increase engine RPM.
Starting a turbocharged engine with the vehicle on a steep grade
When starting a diesel engine when the loaded vehicle is on a grade, the
engine RPM will start to fall slightly when the clutch is engaged; do not
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Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Your vehicle may be
equipped with one of two possible trailer wiring designs. Make sure all
running lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working.
See your dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and
equipment for hooking up trailer lamps.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Keep your speed no faster than 70 mph (112 km/h) during the first
500 miles (800 km) of towing a trailer, and don’t make full throttle
starts.
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive transmission shifting, use a lower gear. This will
also assist in transmission cooling.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guide
for more information.
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Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly
conditions, at GCW, or any combination of these factors, consider
refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lube if not already so
equipped. Refer toLubricant Specificationsin theMaintenance
and Specificationschapter for the lubricant specification. Remember
that regardless of the rear axle lube used, do not tow a trailer for the
first 500 miles (800 km) of a new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles
(800 km) of towing be done at no faster than 70 mph (112 km/h) with
no full throttle starts.
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park)
(if available on your automatic transmission) or N (Neutral) (manual
transmissions and automatic transmissions withoutaP[Park]
position).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
FIFTH WHEEL OPERATION
Failure to follow the fifth wheel manufacturer’s instructions for
hooking and unhooking as well as sliding the fifth wheel could
result in an accident, personal injury or death.
When the tractor and trailer are parked unattended, the trailer
brake hand control should never be used to apply the brake,
since air may leak from the system, allowing vehicle movement,
resulting in possible property damage, personal injury or death.
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Before connecting a fast-charger, booster battery or installing a new
battery, make sure the ground polarities of the fast-charger, booster
battery or alternator (when installing a battery) are matched to the
ground polarity of the vehicle battery. Improper usage of the
fast-charger, hook-up of booster battery or installation of a new battery
can cause damage to the electrical system or to the alternator. Do not
attempt to polarize the alternator.
Preparing your vehicle
1.Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.Do not attach the
jumper cables to the glow plug relay as this could severely damage the
glow plugs, injector driver module and PCM.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Connecting the jumper cables
1. Connect the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery.
Note:In the illustrations,lightning boltsare used to designate the
assisting (boosting) battery.
+–+–
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ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
If your vehicle is equipped with a Caterpillar or Cummins engine,
refer to your engine operator’s manual for engine coolant check and
adding instructions as well as fluid specifications and capacities.
Inspect cooling system daily
Note:The engine coolant reservoir requires air space for expansion
volume. The proper fill level is identified on the reservoir; do not overfill
the reservoir.
To reduce the risk of personal injury or death, use only the
following procedure to remove the pressure-type cap from the
radiator or expansion tank.
1. Always allow the engine to cool first.
2. Wrap a thick, heavy cloth around the cap.
3. Loosen the cap slowly, then pause a moment. This will reduce the risk
of possible scalding by hot water or steam.
4. Continue to unscrew the cap and remove only after pressure in the
radiator is fully released.
Note:If the coolant should get extremely low and the engine very hot,
let the engine cool for approximately 15 minutes before adding coolant.
After the engine has cooled, start the engine and add coolant slowly.
Adding coolant to a hot engine may crack the cylinder head or
crankcase. Never use only water to fill the cooling system.
Adding engine coolant - 6.0L Power Stroke
When adding coolant, make sure it is a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and distilled water. Add the mixture to the coolant reservoir,when the
engine is cool, until the appropriate fill level is obtained.
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.
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.
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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.
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. Slowly turn cap
counterclockwise 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 the full mark 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 to prevent coolant loss.
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration (refer
toEngine coolant condition inspectionlater in this chapter). 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 (1.0L) of engine coolant per
month, have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks.
Operating an engine with a low level of coolant can result in engine
overheating and possible engine damage.
Extended life engine coolant
Note:Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with yellow-colored
Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant meeting Ford Specification
WSS-M97B51–A1.
•Add Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored), VC-7–A (VC-7–B in CA, NM and OR).
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.
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•Do not add/mix extended life coolants such as Motorcraft
Speciality Orange Engine Coolant, VC-2 and VC-3 (U.S.) or
CXC-209 (Canada), meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44–D,
with the factory-fill coolant, Motorcraft Premium Gold Coolant
meeting Ford Specification WSS-M97B51–A.Mixing Motorcraft
Speciality Orange Engine Coolant or any equivalent extended life
engine coolant with this factory-fill 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 or 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.
•Do not mix with recycled coolant unless from a Ford-approved
recycling process (seeUse of Recycled Engine Coolantsection).
Coolant condition inspection
Engine cooling systems should be checked twice a year to ensure proper
glycol/water concentrations. a 50/50 mixture is recommended and
provides freeze protection in weather conditions as low as –34°F (-36°C)
as well as optimum corrosion protection. For vehicle operating in
extremely cold climate, a concentration of 60% ethylene glycol will
provide freeze protection in weather conditions as low as –59°F (-51°C).
Concentrations greater than 60% glycol are not recommended.
Engine coolant capacities and part numbers
For cooling system capacities, refer toRefill capacitiesin this chapter.
For coolant part numbers, refer toLubricant specificationsin this
chapter.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than –34°F [–36°C]):
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