2006 FORD SUPER DUTY cooling

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specification WSB-M8B16–A2.
Do not use any special washer fluid
such as windshield water
repellent-type fluid or bug
wash as this may cause a
squeaking/chattering noise, streaking
or smearing. Refer toLubricant
specificationsin this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 40°F (4.5°C),
use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to use
washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or accident.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
vehicle. Turn the blade at an angle
from the wiper arm. Push the lock
pin manually to release the blade
and pull the wiper blade down
toward the windshield to remove it
from the arm.
2. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
3. Replace wiper blades at least once per year for optimum performance.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
253

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, OR and NM), VC-7–B (CA, OR and NM),
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 Specialty Orange Engine Coolant, VC-2 (US) or
CXC-209 (Canada), meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44–D
with the factory-filled coolant.Mixing Motorcraft Specialty 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
remove the coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with
an overflow system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
262

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 authorized 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.
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.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
263

Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer to
Refill capacitiesin this section. If your vehicle is equipped with a diesel
engine, refer to theRefill capacitiessection of your6.0 Liter Power
Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel Owner’s Guide Supplement.
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.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
264

What you should know about fail-safe cooling (if equipped)
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The “fail-safe” distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•The message center will indicate
the engine is overheating.
•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.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
265

wheels ......................................242
wiper blades ............................244
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............36
Clutch
fluid ..........................................277
operation while driving ..........178
recommended shift speeds ....179
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................71
Console ........................................67
overhead ....................................55
Controls
steering column ........................66
Coolant
checking and adding ..............260
refill capacities ................264, 287
specifications ..........................290
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................61
Customer Assistance ................201
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................247
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................238
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............239
Getting roadside assistance ...201
Getting the service you
need .........................................232
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................240
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................235
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................238D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................40
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................278
engine oil .................................254
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........290
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................283
Driving under special
conditions ..................178, 191, 194
sand .........................................193
snow and ice ...........................195
through water .................193, 197
E
Electronic message center ...67, 69
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................224
Emergency Flashers .................202
Emission control system ..........274
Engine ................................293–294
cleaning ...................................242
coolant .....................................260
diesel ...........................................7
fail-safe cooling .......................265
idle speed control ...................258
lubrication specifications .......290
refill capacities ........................287
service points ..................251–252
starting after a collision .........203
Engine block heater .................170
Engine oil ..................................254
checking and adding ..............254
dipstick ....................................254
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
308

filter, specifications ........257, 286
recommendations ...................257
refill capacities ........................287
specifications ..........................290
Exhaust fumes ..........................169
F
Fail safe cooling ........................265
Fluid capacities .........................287
Foglamps .....................................40
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......183
description ..............................187
driving off road .......................189
electronic shift ................183, 187
indicator light .........................184
lever operated shift ................185
manual locking hubs ..............183
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................174
Fuel ............................................266
calculating fuel economy..72, 271
cap ...........................................268
capacity ...................................287
choosing the right fuel ...........269
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................274
detergent in fuel .....................270
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................266, 268, 271
filter, specifications ........266, 286
fuel pump shut-off switch .....203
improving fuel economy ........271
octane rating ...........270, 293–294
quality ......................................270
running out of fuel .................270
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................266
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......203
Fuses ..................................203–204G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............268
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................271
Gauges .........................................16
transmission fluid
temperature gauge ...................20
H
Hazard flashers .........................202
Head restraints ...........................89
Headlamps ...................................39
aiming ..................................41, 43
autolamp system .......................39
daytime running lights .............40
flash to pass ..............................41
high beam .................................41
replacing bulbs .............46, 48–50
turning on and off ....................39
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system ...........................33–34, 36
Hood ..........................................250
I
Ignition .......................165, 293–294
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................119
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................276
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................244
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................41
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......224
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
309