
Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
automatic transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the
transmission may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is
considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process will fully update
transmission operation.
1.Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
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 from 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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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Roadside Emergencies
208

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle, we providescheduled maintenance
informationwhich makes tracking routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your authorized dealer can
provide the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty Guideto
find out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other burning (cigarettes) material away
from the battery and all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or personal burn
injuries, do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed
and do not remove it while the engine is running.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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Poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield, refer toWindows and wiper bladesin theCleaning
chapter.
To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level dipstick.
6. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick fully, then remove it again.
•If the oil level isbetween the lower and upper holes or between
the MIN and MAX marks (depending on application),the oil
level is acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
2008 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
233

When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,
resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.
Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds.Wash hands after handling.
For information on transmission operation after the battery has been
disconnected, refer toAutomatic Transmission Operationin the
Drivingchapter.
Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Release the parking brake. With your foot on the brake pedal and with
the A/C on, put the vehicle in D (Drive) and allow the engine to idle for
at least one minute.
7. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
•The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles (16 km) or more to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.
•If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
2008 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
237

TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Maintenance and Specifications
258

A
Accessory delay ..........................52
AdvanceTrac ..............................168
Air cleaner filter ...............261–263
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................86
and child safety seats ..............88
description ................................86
disposal ......................................90
driver airbag ..............................88
indicator light ...........................90
operation ...................................88
passenger airbag .......................88
passenger deactivation
switch ........................................91
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................238
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................166
Anti-theft system ........................66
arming the system ....................67
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................19, 21, 25
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................175, 177, 180
fluid, adding ............................258
fluid, checking ........................258
fluid, refill capacities ..............264
fluid, specification ..................264
Auxiliary power point .................50
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........264
refill capacities ........................264
traction lok ..............................172
B
Battery .......................................236acid, treating emergencies .....236
battery saver .............................34
jumping a disabled battery ....207
maintenance-free ....................236
replacement, specifications ...263
servicing ..................................236
Belt-Minder...............................81
Booster seats ...............................97
Brakes ........................................165
anti-lock ...................................166
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................166
fluid, checking and adding ....257
fluid, refill capacities ..............264
fluid, specifications .................264
lubricant specifications ..........264
parking ....................................167
shift interlock ..........................174
Bulbs ............................................40
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....264
Cell phone use ..............................9
Changing a tire .........................198
Child safety restraints ................96
child safety belts ......................96
Child safety seats ......................100
in front seat ............................101
in rear seat ..............................101
tether anchorage hardware ...104
Child safety seats - booster
seats .............................................97
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............224
exterior ....................................227
instrument panel ....................226
interior .....................................226
plastic parts ............................225
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Index
274

positions of the ignition .........161
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................40
daytime running light ...............35
headlamps .................................34
headlamps, flash to pass ..........35
instrument panel, dimming .....36
interior lamps ...........................39
replacing bulbs .........................41
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................39
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........166
Load limits .................................144
Loading instructions .................150
Locks ............................................57
autolock .....................................57
doors ..........................................57
Lubricant specifications ...........264
Lug nuts ....................................206
Lumbar support, seats ...............70
M
Mirrors .........................................52
fold away ...................................53
side view mirrors (power) .......52
Motorcraft parts ........227, 244, 263
O
Octane rating ............................248
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................233
P
Parking brake ............................167Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....263
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................193
Power door locks ........................57
Power mirrors .............................52
Power point .................................50
Power steering ..........................171
fluid, checking and adding ....256
fluid, refill capacity ................264
fluid, specifications .................264
Power Windows ...........................51
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................172
R
Radio ................................19, 21, 25
Relays ................................190, 196
Remote entry system .................61
illuminated entry ......................65
locking/unlocking
doors ..............................57, 62–63
panic alarm ...............................63
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................64
replacing the batteries .............63
Reverse sensing system ...........182
Roadside assistance ..................186
Roll stability control .................168
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............85
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) .........76–80
Safety defects, reporting ..220–221
Safety restraints ....................76–80
2008 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
277