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 toEngine block
heater (if equipped)in theDrivingchapter of theOwner’s Guide.
When operating in cold weather, use Motorcraft Cetane improvers or non
alcohol-based Cetane improvers from a reputable manufacturer.
Do not crank the engine for more than 10 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.
WARNING:Do not use starting fluid, such as ether, in the air
intake system (see air filter decal). Such fluid could cause
immediate explosive damage to the engine and possible personal injury.
WARNING:Do not add gasoline, gasohol or alcohol to diesel
fuel. This practice creates a serious fire hazard and causes
engine performance problems.
1. Turn the key to on without turning the key to start.Do not start the
engineuntil the glow-plug pre-heat indicator
turns off.
2. When the glow plug pre-heat
indicator turns off, turn the key to
start, then release the key as soon
as the engine starts. The glow plugs
will continue to be activated for two minutes after the glow plug pre-heat
indicator
has turned off. If the engine is not started before the
glow plug activation time ends, the glow plugs will need to be reset by
turning the key to off.
3. After the engine starts,allow it to idle for about 15 seconds. This
is to protect the engine. Do not increase engine speed until the oil
pressure gauge indicates normal pressure.
ENGINE IDLE SHUTDOWN (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with an engine idle shutdown system. This
system will automatically shut down your engine when it has been idling
in P (Park) or N (Neutral) for five minutes (parking brake set) or
15 minutes (parking brake not set). When the engine idle shutdown
process has started:
•A chime will sound and the message center will displayENGINE
TURNS OFF IN XX30 seconds prior to shutdown and begins
counting down to zero.
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•The timer can be reset by changing the position of the accelerator
pedal, brake pedal or the park brake within the final 30 seconds.
•When the timer reaches zero, the engine shuts down and the message
center will displayENGINE TURNED OFF.
•One minute after the engine has shut down, the electrical system will
simulate key off, even though the ignition is still in the on position,
initiating normal accessory delay period.
•The ignition must be moved to the off position to reset the system
before restarting the vehicle.
Note:The engine idle shutdown idle timer will not start if:
•The engine is operating in power take-off (PTO) mode.
•The engine coolant temperature is below 60°F (16°C).
•The exhaust emission control device (DPF) is regenerating.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
On E-Series vehicles,
to prolong engine life (after extended high speed
or maximum GVW operation), it is recommended that a hot engine be idled
for 7–10 minutes which will allow the turbocharged engine to cool down.
On F-Super Duty vehicles,to prolong engine life (especially after
extended high speed, high ambient temperature, or high GVW/GCW
operation), it is recommended that a hot engine be idled for 3-5 minutes
which will allow the turbocharged engine to cool down.
COLD WEATHER OPERATION
Changing to a lighter grade engine oil also makes starting easier under
these conditions. Refer toEngine oil specificationsin theMaintenance
and Specificationschapter of this supplement.
At temperatures below 20°F (–7°C), number 2–D diesel fuel may thicken
enough to clog the fuel filter. Your vehicle is equipped with either an
FCM (E-Series) or an HFCM (F-Super Duty) which acts as a fuel
filter/water separator to keep the wax melted which will help prevent
fuel filter clogging. However, if the engine starts but stalls after a short
time and will not restart, the fuel filter(s) may be clogged. For best
results in cold weather, use Number 1–D diesel fuel or “winterized”
Number 2–D diesel fuel which has an additive to minimize wax
formation. If you have problems operating on biodiesel during cold
weather, you may need to use a diesel fuel with lower biodiesel content,
try another brand, or discontinue the use of biodiesel.
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Your vehicle is also equipped with a bypass relief valve, located in the
fuel tank pick-up boot, which provides fuel flow to the engine if the fuel
pickup should become plugged by ice or wax. To allow the bypass valve
to function and avoid engine fuel starvation, it is recommended that,
during cold weather operation 32°F (0°C) or below, the fuel level in your
tank should not be allowed to drop below
1 4full. This will help prevent
air from entering the fuel system and stalling the engine.
In cold weather below 32°F (0°C), the engine will slowly increase to a
higher idle speed if left idling in P (Park). As the engine warms-up, the
engine sound level will decrease due to the activation of PCM-controlled
sound reduction features.
If your vehicle is operated in a heavy snow storm or blowing snow
conditions, the engine air induction may become partially clogged with
snow and/or ice. If this occurs, the engine may experience a significant
reduction in power output. At the earliest opportunity, clear all the snow
and/or ice away from inside the air filter assembly. Take the top off the
assembly, leaving the air filter in, and remove any snow or ice.
In order to operate the engine in temperatures of 32°F (0°C) or lower,
read the following instructions:
•Make sure that the batteries are of sufficient size and are fully
charged. Check other electrical components to make sure they are in
optimum condition.
•Use Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant solution at the
concentration recommended to protect the engine against damage
from freezing.
•Try to keep the fuel tank full as much as possible at the end of
operation to prevent condensation in the fuel system.
•Make sure you use proper cold weather engine oil and that it is at its
proper level. Also, if necessary, make sure to follow the engine oil and
filter change schedule found under theSpecial operating conditions
section in thescheduled maintenance guideinformation.
•At temperatures of -10°F (-23°C) or below, it is recommended that
you use an engine block heater to improve cold engine starting.
•If operating in arctic temperatures of -20°F (-29°C) or lower, consult
your truck dealer for information about special cold weather
equipment and precautions.
Note:Idling in cold weather will not heat the engine to its normal
operating temperature. Long periods of idling in cold weather can cause
a buildup of heavy deposits of carbon and rust on valve stems causing
them to stick, which in turn, can cause valve train damage.
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The following cold weather idling guidelines must be followed:
•Avoid idling the engine for more than 10 minutes at a time.
•Use Motorcraft Cetane improvers or non alcohol-based Cetane
improvers from a reputable manufacturer.
•Maintain the engine cooling system properly.
•Do not shut the engine down after an extensive idling period
(10 minutes or more). Drive the vehicle for several miles with the
engine at normal operating temperatures under a moderate load to
burn off any accumulated carbon and varnish.
•Consider using an engine block heater.
•For extended idle times use an approved idle speed increase device.
Winter operating tips for Arctic operation -20°F (-29°C) and below
The following information is provided as a guideline only, and is not
intended to be the only source of possible solutions in resolving extreme
cold temperature issues.
Starting aids:
The use of the factory engine block heater (refer toEngine block heater
[if equipped]in theDrivingchapter of theOwner’s Guide) and oil pan
heaters (aftermarket) will assist in engine starting, in extreme cold
ambient temperatures.
WARNING:Do not use starting fluid, such as ether, in the air
intake system (see air filter decal). Such fluid could cause
immediate explosive damage to the engine and possible personal injury.
Idle control:
For periods of extended idle, the throttle should be set at an rpm that is
sufficient to keep the engine at normal operating temperatures. This
action can reduce the amount of engine damaging deposits.
•The engine contains a unique “Cold Weather - Idle up feature”
calibration strategy within the PCM. Under the appropriate conditions,
the strategy will automatically elevate the engine idle speed after
130 seconds of idling in cold ambient temperatures. For this feature to
be activated, the truck must be in P (Park) (for automatic
transmission), in neutral (for manual transmission) with the parking
brake applied and engine oil temperature below 158°F (70°C). This
strategy raises the rpm to a level that reduces the potential to
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produce “coking” or “wet stacking”, which is common to all diesel
engines when idling for extended periods during cold ambient
temperatures.
•Your vehicle may have a factory option for a Stationary Elevated Idle
Control (SEIC) through dash-mounted Upfitter switches will allow the
operator to elevate the idle rpm for extended idle periods, as well as
aftermarket equipment such as PTO operation. This feature must be
configured even if ordered from the factory. See your authorized
dealer for required upfitting.
Operation in snow
Vehicle operation in heavy snowfall or extreme rain conditions may feed
excessive amounts of snow/water into the air intake system. This could
plug/soak the air filter with snow and may cause the engine to lose
power and possibly shut down.
Either of these conditions may cause the CHECK AIR FILTER message
to appear in the message center.
You may not need to change the air filter and the vehicle may be driven
up to 200 miles (320 km) under the following conditions:
•Snow:At the earliest opportunity, open the hood and clear all the
snow and ice from the air filter housing inlet (do NOT remove the air
filter) and reset the air filter restriction gauge.
•Wet:The air filter will dry after about 15–30 minutes at highway
speeds. At the earliest opportunity, open the hood and reset the air
filter restriction gauge.
Refer toAir filter and restriction gaugein theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter of this supplement for more information.
Operation in standing water
Ingestion of water into the diesel engine can result in immediate and
severe damage to the engine. If driving through water, slow down to
avoid splashing water into the intake. If the engine stalls, and ingestion
of water into the engine is suspected, do not try to restart the engine.
Consult your dealer for service immediately.
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Winter grille cover (F-Super Duty only) (if equipped)
If your vehicle includes a winter grille cover, it will enhance heater
performance and will reduce the amount of time it takes to warm the
inside of your vehicle in extremely cold conditions (below 0°F [-18°C]).
The winter grille cover installs over the outside of the grille of your
vehicle and restricts the air flowing to the engine compartment by
covering the radiator grille openings.
Usage guidelines
The winter grille cover should only be used while operating your vehicle
in extremely cold temperatures or in heavy snow for extended periods of
time. In these temperatures, the vehicle does not need a large amount of
air to properly cool the engine. During periods of operation when more
airflow is required to cool the vehicle, the winter grille cover should not
be used. The following usage guidelines will allow adequate airflow for
proper radiator and air cooler performance.
•Do not use the winter grille cover when temperatures are above 50°F
(10°C). Use of the cover in these conditions could cause your vehicle
to overheat. If this happens while the cover is being used, remove the
cover and store properly.
•Do not use the winter grille cover above 32°F (0°C) if towing a trailer.
The added power needed to tow a trailer requires the radiator grille to
have full airflow under all conditions. Your vehicle may overheat if the
cover is used while towing a trailer.
•Do not modify the winter grille cover. The winter grille cover does not
block some sections of the front of the vehicle because these openings
are needed to provide enough airflow to the radiator and air cooler in
extremely cold temperatures.
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Installation instructions
The “Installation Instructions” included with your winter grille cover
packaging explain how to install and remove your vehicle’s winter grille
cover. When installing or removing the winter grille cover, refer to the
“Usage guidelines”listed previously. When you first attempt to fit the
winter grille cover, it may appear to be undersized. This is due to the
nature of the special vinyl, which will stretch during installation to
ensure a tight fit. For this reason, the initial installation of the winter
grille cover is best performed when the cover is warm.
Engine block heater (if equipped)
Refer to theDrivingchapter in theOwner’s Guide.
Rapid Heat supplemental heating system (if equipped)
The optional Rapid Heat feature is an electrically powered device that is
designed to provide supplemental heat during engine warm up. For
maximum effectiveness mid to low blower speed is recommended during
initial warm up. When operating in automatic mode (when equipped) the
climate control unit will determine the appropriate blower speed for
existing conditions.
Note:Additional aftermarket electrical loads operated during engine
warm up may impact the performance of the Rapid heat supplemental
heater.
DUAL FUEL TANK SELECTOR CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
If your vehicle is equipped with dual
fuel tanks, you will have a selector
control, located to the right of the
steering wheel, which allows you to
draw fuel from either tank. Your fuel
gauge will display the amount of
fuel in the currently selected tank.
Fuel level indication is delayed for several minutes when the tank
selector switch is actuated. Fuel level indication can be obtained
immediately by turning off and restarting the engine.
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TRAILER TOWING
Refer to yourOwner’s Guidefor full details on towing a trailer.
Trailer towing tables - E-Series
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
lbs. (kg)Maximum
trailer weight -
lbs. (kg)
E-350 Regular Van (9500 GVWR)
6.0L 3.55 16000 (7257) 9500 (4309)
6.0L 4.10 20000 (9072) 10000 (4536)
E-350 Extended/RV Van (9500 GVWR)
6.0L 3.55 16000 (7257) 9400 (4264)
6.0L 4.10 20000 (9072) 10000 (4536)
E-350 Regular Wagon (12–passenger) (8950 GVWR)
6.0L 3.55 16000 (7257) 8900 (4037)
6.0L 4.10 20000 (9072) 10000 (4536)
138” Wheelbase 9900 GVWR E-350 Cutaway with Single Rear
Wheels (SRW)
6.0L 4.10 20000 (9072) 10000 (4536)
138” Wheelbase 10000 GVWR E-350 Cutaway with Dual Rear
Wheels (DRW)
6.0L 4.10 20000 (9072) 10000 (4536)
138” Wheelbase 11500 GVWR E-350 Cutaway with Dual Rear
Wheels (DRW)
6.0L 4.10 20000 (9072) 10000 (4536)
158” Wheelbase 10000 GVWR E–350 Cutaway with Dual Rear
Wheels (DRW)
6.0L 4.10 20000 (9072) 10000 (4536)
158” Wheelbase 11500 GVWR E–350 Cutaway with Dual Rear
Wheels (DRW)
6.0L 4.10 20000 (9072) 10000 (4536)
158” Wheelbase 12500 GVWR E–350 Cutaway with Dual Rear
Wheels (DRW)
6.0L 4.10 20000 (9072) 10000 (4536)
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