2008 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS 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.
WARNING: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.
Add the proper mixture of coolant and water to the cooling system by
following these steps:
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, 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.
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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.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
toMaintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
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.
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•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.
What you should know about fail-safe cooling
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.
•CHECK GAUGES will illuminate
in the mini message center.
•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 an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
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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 an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
FUEL FILTER
For fuel filter replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate intervals for
changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
WARNING:Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an
overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
WARNING:The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel
filler cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait
until it stops before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise,
fuel may spray out and injure you or others.
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POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer toscheduled maintenance
informationfor the service interval
schedules.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level on the
dipstick. It should be between the
arrows in the FULL range on the
side of the dipstick with the words
MAX. HOT at the top. Do not add
fluid if the level is within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the FULL range. Be sure to put the dipstick
back in the reservoir.
Refer toMaintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this
chapter for the proper fluid type.
BRAKE FLUID
Brake fluid should be checked and refilled as needed. Seek service from
your authorized dealer. Refer to thescheduled maintenance
informationfor the service interval schedules.
ADD MAX. HOTFULL
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MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
Item Capacity Ford Part NameFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Brake fluid-Hydroboost
brake booster
system—Chassis with
Gross Vehicle Weight
Ratings of 16,000 lb
(7,257 kg) and 18,000 lb
(8,165 kg)
Between MIN and
MAX on reservoirMotorcraft High
Performance DOT 3
Motor Vehicle Brake
FluidPM-1-C /
WSS-M6C65-A1
Brake fluid-Hydromax
brake booster
system—Chassis with
Gross Vehicle Weight
Ratings of 20,500 lb
(9,299 kg), 22,000 lb
(9,979 kg), 24,000 lb
(10,886 kg) and 26,000
lb (11793 kg)Super DOT 4 Motor
Vehicle Brake FluidYS4Z-19542-AA /
WSS-M6C65-A2
Engine coolant30.6 quarts
(29.0L)
1
Motorcraft Premium Gold
Engine Coolant with
bittering agent
(yellow-colored)
2
VC-7-B /
WSS-M97B51-A1
Cooling system stop
leak pellets—Motorcraft Cooling
System Stop Leak PelletsVC-6 /
WSS-M99B37-B6
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Item Capacity Ford Part NameFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Transmission
/steering/parking brake
linkages and pivots,
brake and clutch pedal
shaft (if equipped)—Premium Long-Life
GreaseXG-1-C /
ESA-M1C75-B
Fuel tank75 .0 gallons
(284.0L)——
1Capacity is approximate and will vary due to second-stage manufacturer completion of HVAC
system. Fill to the Cold Fill Level on reservoir.2Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.3Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary based on cooler size and
if equipped with in-tank cooler. The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set by
the indication on the dipstick’s normal operating range.4Automatic transmissions that require MERCONLV should only use MERCONLV fluid. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid
other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.5Fill 1/4 inch to 9/16 inch (6 mm to 14 mm) below bottom of fill hole.
Your vehicle’s rear axle is filled with a synthetic rear axle lubricant and is considered lubricated for
life. These lubricants do not need to be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service is
required or the axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle lubricant should be changed
any time the rear axle has been submerged in water.6Fill 1/4 inch to 9/16 inch (6 mm to 14 mm) below bottom of fill hole.
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A
ABS (see Brakes) .......................52
Air cleaner filter ...............118–120
Ambulance packages ....................5
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .......................................95
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..........................52–53
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive ...................................57
fluid, adding ............................115
fluid, checking ........................115
fluid, refill capacities ..............121
fluid, specification ..................121
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........121
refill capacities ........................121
B
Battery .........................................93
acid, treating emergencies .......93
jumping a disabled battery ......75
maintenance-free ......................93
replacement, specifications ...120
servicing ....................................93
Brakes ..........................................51
anti-lock ...............................52–53
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .............................53
fluid, checking and adding ...112,
115
fluid, refill capacities ..............121
fluid, specifications .................121
lubricant specifications ..........121
shift interlock ............................55
Bulbs ............................................17
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....121Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ................88
wheels ........................................88
Coolant
checking and adding ................95
refill capacities ..................99, 121
specifications ..........................121
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................19
Customer Assistance ..................61
Ford Extended Service Plan ...84
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .......................85
Getting roadside assistance .....61
Getting the service you
need ...........................................81
Ordering additional owner’s
literature ...................................86
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program .....................................84
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................16
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................115
engine oil ...................................91
Driving under special
conditions ....................................59
through water ...........................60
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ............................75
Emission control system ..........109
Engine ........................................124
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