Page 11 of 96

STARTING THE ENGINE
Read all starting instructions carefully before you start your vehicle.
For temperatures below 32°F (0°C), the use of the correct grade engine
oil is essential for proper operation. Refer toEngine oil specifications
in theMaintenance and Specificationschapter for more information.
If your vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission,make sure
the parking brake is fully set before you turn the key. Depress the clutch
pedal and place the gearshift in the neutral position. The clutch must be
fully depressed in order to operate the starter. Do not press the
accelerator during starting.
If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission,ensure
the gearshift lever is in P (Park) and the parking brake is fully set before
you turn the key. Do not press the accelerator during starting.
Engine-driven cooling fan (Fan clutch)
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine driven cooling fan drive (also
called a fan clutch). This fan drive changes the fan speed to match the
vehicle’s changing cooling air flow requirements. Fan speed, fan noise
level and fuel consumption all will increase based on the driving
conditions that include trailer towing, hill climbing, heavy loads, high
speed and high ambient temperature, individually or in combination. The
fan drive is designed to provide the minimum fan speed (and resulting
fan noise and fuel consumption) required to meet the ever changing
vehicle cooling air flow requirements. You will hear the amount of fan
noise increasing and decreasing as the engine power requirements and
vehicle driving conditions change as you drive. This is to be expected as
being normal to the operation of your vehicle. High levels of fan noise
might also be heard when your engine is first started, and should
normally decrease after driving for a short time.
Cold weather starting
It is recommended that the engine block heater be used for starting
when the temperature is -10°F (-23°C) or colder. Refer toUsing the
engine block heater (if equipped)in theDrivingchapter of the
Owner’s Guide.
When operating in cold weather, use a minimum of 45 Cetane Diesel fuel
or use Cetane improvers from a reputable manufacturer.
Do not crank the engine for more than 30 seconds as starter damage
may occur. If the engine fails to start, turn the key to 3 (OFF) and wait
30 seconds before trying again.
2008 Econoline(eco)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Driving
11
Page 51 of 96

MINOR TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Air purge procedure
Turn the key on for 30 seconds, then turn off. Repeat procedure four or
five times.
If the engine won’t crank
Turn on the headlights. If the lights are dim, do not go on at all or when
the ignition is turned to START the lights become dim or go out, the
battery connections may be loose or corroded, or the battery may be
discharged. If there is a clicking or stuttering sound coming from the
engine compartment when you turn the key to START, this may also
indicate a loose or corroded battery connection.
Check the battery connections at the battery posts, cable connection to
the engine grounding point and at the starter connection.
If a discharged battery is suspected, have it checked and corrected.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds.Wash hands after handling.
•For vehicles with manual transmissions,the clutch pedalmustbe
fully depressed in order for the starter to operate.
•For vehicles with automatic transmissions,the gearshift lever
must be in P (Park) or N (Neutral) in order for the starter to operate.
•Try operating the starter switch several times. Should the switch be
corroded, this operation may clean the contacts or make the switch
temporarily operable until you can reach the dealer.
•If all electrical connections are tight and you need assistance to start,
refer toJump startingin theRoadside Emergencieschapter of your
Owner’s Guide(F-Super Duty) or refer to theJump startingsection
in theRoadside Emergencieschapter of this supplement (E-Series).
If engine cranks but won’t start
Prolonged starter cranking (in excess of 30 seconds) could cause
damage to the starter motor.
•Check the fuel gauge. You may be out of fuel. If the gauge shows that
there is fuel in the tank, the trouble may be in the electrical system or
the fuel system. If equipped with an auxiliary tank, be sure that the
tank control switch is set for the tank with fuel and not on an empty
tank.
2008 Econoline(eco)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
51
Page 60 of 96

Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant change interval (F-Super Duty)
❑6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) - change Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant (whichever comes first)❑After initial change - change Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant every 3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
Check every month
❑Check function of all interior and exterior lights❑Check tires for wear and adjust air pressure (including spare tire)
❑Check that holes in the tail-pipe of the exhaust system are clear of debris-the holes/slots are functional (F-Super Duty)
❑Check engine oil level
❑Check windshield washer fluid level
❑Check and drain fuel filter/water separator
Check every six months
❑Check lap/shoulder belts and seat latches for wear and function❑Check that externally-mounted spare tire is tight (seeOwner’s Guide)
❑Check power steering fluid level
❑Check washer spray, wiper operation and clean all wiper blades (replace as necessary)
❑Check parking brake for proper operation
❑Check and lubricate all hinges, latches and outside locks
❑Check and lubricate door rubber weatherstrips
❑Check and clean body and door drain holes
❑Check safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, air bag, safety belt) for operation
❑Check cooling system fluid level and coolant strength (E-Series)
❑Check engine and fuel cooling systems for fluid level and coolant strength (F-Super Duty)
❑Check battery connections and clean if necessary
❑Check clutch fluid level, if equipped
Retightening lug nuts
❑On vehicles equipped with single rear wheels, retighten the lug nuts to the specified torque at 500 miles (800 km) after
any wheel disturbance (tire rotation, changing a flat tire, wheel removal, etc.).
❑On vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels, retighten the wheel lug nuts to the specified torque at 100 miles (160 km),
and again at 500 miles (800 km) of new vehicle operation and after any wheel disturbance (tire rotation, changing a flat
tire, wheel removal, etc.).
❑Refer toWheel Lug Nut Torque Specificationin yourOwner’s Guidefor the proper lug nut torque specification.
2008 Econoline(eco)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Scheduled Maintenance: General Information
60