
•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.
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 “CHECK GAGE” indicator
light will illuminate.
•The “CHECK GAGE” indicator light will flash when fail-safe cooling
mode has been activated.
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 an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive vacuum in
the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause the fuel cap
to disengage in a collision, which may result in personal injury.
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED fuel or UNLEADED fuel blended with a maximum
of 10% ethanol. Your vehicle was not designed to run on E85 fuels that
are blended with a maximum of 85% ethanol. The use of leaded fuel is
prohibited by law and could damage your vehicle. Do not use fuel
containing methanol. It can damage critical fuel system components.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based additives. Studies indicate that
these additives can cause your vehicle’s emission control system to
deteriorate more rapidly.
Repairs to correct the effects of using a fuel for which your vehicle was
not designed may not be covered by your warranty.
Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
“Regular” unleaded gasoline with
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
We do not recommend the use of
gasolines labeled as “Regular” that
are sold with octane ratings of 86 or lower in high altitude areas.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your authorized dealer to
prevent any engine damage.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
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Calculating fuel economy
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer reading
(in miles or kilometers).
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in
gallons or liters).
3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and record
the current odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer
reading.
5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fuel
economy:
Calculation 1:Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
Calculation 2:Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total
kilometers traveled.
Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle’s fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
•Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
•Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
•Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
•Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
•Slow down gradually.
•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
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The EPA window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy
comparisons with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of MPG (L/100 km)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
Note:Vehicles over 8,500 GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) will not have fuel
economy information printed on the EPA window sticker.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed inscheduled maintenance information
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed inscheduled maintenance
informationare essential to the life and performance of your vehicle
and to its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of theService engine soon
indicator, charging system
warning light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors,
smoke or loss of engine power could indicate that the emission control
system is not working properly.
An improperly operating or damaged exhaust system may allow exhaust
to enter the vehicle. Have a damaged or improperly operating exhaust
system inspected and repaired immediately.
2008 Econoline(eco)
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253

If an overfill occurs, excess fluid should be removed by an authorized dealer.
An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
Automatic transmission fluid filter
The Torqshift automatic
transmission is equipped with a
serviceable transmission fluid filter
located inside the transmission
bottom pan.
Refer toscheduled maintenance
informationfor service intervals for
automatic transmission fluid and
transmission filter.
For transmission filter maintenance,
see your authorized dealer.
AIR FILTER
Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for changing the air filter element.
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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261

safety belts ..............................226
washing ....................................222
waxing .....................................223
wheels ......................................223
wiper blades ............................225
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......31–33
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .......................23, 27
AM/FM .......................................20
Compass, electronic ....................49
calibration .................................50
set zone adjustment .................49
Console
overhead ..............................47–48
Controls
power seat .................................70
Coolant
checking and adding ..............238
refill capacities ................242, 264
specifications ..........................264
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................54
Customer Assistance ................186
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................218
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................219
Getting roadside assistance ...186
Getting the service you
need .........................................214
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................220
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................218D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................35
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................258
engine oil .................................233
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................257
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................185
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................207
Emergency Flashers .................188
Emission control system ..........253
Engine ........................................268
cleaning ...................................224
coolant .....................................238
diesel ...........................................7
fail-safe cooling .......................243
idle speed control ...................236
lubrication specifications .......264
refill capacities ........................264
service points ..........................231
starting after a collision .........188
Engine block heater .................164
Engine oil ..................................233
checking and adding ..............233
dipstick ....................................233
filter, specifications ........235, 263
recommendations ...................235
refill capacities ........................264
specifications ..........................264
Event data recording ....................6
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Index
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Exhaust fumes ..........................163
F
Fail safe cooling ........................243
Fluid capacities .........................264
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................172
Fuel ............................................244
calculating fuel economy .......250
cap ...........................................247
capacity ...................................264
choosing the right fuel ...........248
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................252
detergent in fuel .....................249
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................244, 247, 250
filter, specifications ........244, 263
fuel pump shut-off switch .....188
improving fuel economy ........250
octane rating ...................248, 268
quality ......................................249
running out of fuel .................249
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................244
Fuses ..........................................190
G
Garage door opener ....................48
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............247
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................250
Gauges .........................................17
H
Hazard flashers .........................188Headlamps ...................................34
aiming ........................................37
bulb specifications ....................40
daytime running lights .............35
flash to pass ..............................35
high beam .................................35
replacing bulbs .........................41
turning on and off ....................34
Heating
heater only system .............31, 33
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................32
Hood ..........................................230
I
Ignition ...............................161, 268
Illuminated visor mirror .............47
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................100
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................255
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................226
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................36
J
Jack ............................................198
positioning ...............................198
storage .....................................198
Jump-starting your vehicle ......207
K
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................57
Keys .............................................67
2008 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
276