
Glow plug pre-heat indicator:
With the key in the on position,
the
light will illuminate if glow
plug heat is necessary as a starting aid. Wait until the light goes off
before starting. Refer toCold weather startingin theDrivingchapter
of this supplement. After the engine starts, the light should turn on. The
light should always illuminate at least momentarily when the engine is
cold and the ignition is turned to on. If it does not illuminate, the glow
plug system should be checked and repaired promptly to avoid difficulty
in cold starting.
Water in fuel:
E-Series
F-Super Duty
During refueling, it is possible for water-contaminated diesel fuel to be
pumped into your tank. Your vehicle’s fuel system is equipped with a fuel
filter/water separator to remove water from the fuel. The WATER IN
FUEL light will illuminate when the ignition is turned to start (as part of
the light function check) and when the FCM/HFCM has a significant
quantity of water in it.
If the light illuminates when the engine is running, stop the vehicle as
soon as safely possible, shut off the engine, then drain the FCM/HFCM.
Refer toDraining the FCM/HFCM and changing the fuel filtersin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter of this supplement for the
drain procedure. Allowing water to stay in the system could result in
extensive damage to, or failure of, the fuel injection system.
WARNING:Do not drain the water separator while the engine is
running. Fuel may ignite if the separator is drained while the
engine is running or the vehicle is moving.
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•E-Series
F-Super Duty
3. Rotate drain lever to the outward position. Allow the HFCM/FCM to
drain for approximately 25 seconds or until clean fuel is observed. Rotate
the lever towards the housing until it is firmly seated.
4. Verify that the drain valve is closed and latched, then remove the
container from under the vehicle.
5. Restart the engine and check WATER IN FUEL indicator light; it
should not be illuminated. If it continues to illuminate, have the fuel
system checked and repaired.
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•use of biodiesel, up to and including 5% Biodiesel (B5)
•use of high sulfur diesel fuel
If you are operating your vehicle under any of these conditions, change
engine oil and filter every 5,000 miles (8,000 km).
AIR FILTER RESTRICTION GAUGE AND AIR FILTER
REPLACEMENT
Air filter restriction gauge:
The restriction gauge, located on
the upper housing of the air filter
assembly, measures the vacuum
inside the air filter. The more the air
filter is restricted (dirty, clogged),
the higher the vacuum reading
Check the air filter restriction gauge
whenever the hood is raised to
perform general engine maintenance
at least every 7,500 miles (12,000 km). If the vehicle is operated in
extremely dusty conditions, check and reset the gauge at least every
500 miles (800 km), or two weeks, whichever comes first.
Change the air filter when the gauge reads near the “change filter” line
and the chamber is filled with yellow. Engine performance and fuel
economy are adversely affected when the maximum restriction is
reached.
Blowing-out the air filter element with compressed air is not
recommended as the compressed air may damage the filter paper.
Note:It is not possible to determine the level of filter clogging by visual
appearance alone. A filter which appears to be dirty may actually have
several thousand miles (kilometers) of life remaining.
Always use the underhood air filter restriction gauge to
determine when the air filter element needs to be changed. The
warning light on the instrument cluster should not be used
exclusively for determining when the air filter element needs
changing.
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After installation of the new filter
element, reset the gauge by pressing
the reset button on top of the
gauge.
Note: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.
The air filter warning message on the instrument cluster may be used, in
addition to the underhood restriction gauge, to monitor the condition of
the air filter element. Refer to theEngine air filterwarning light in this
chapter of the supplement.
Air filter replacement:
When replacing the air filter element, use the Motorcraft air filter
element listed inMotorcraft Part Numberslater in this chapter.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or
personal burn injuries do not start your engine with the air filter
removed and do not remove it while the engine is running.
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•contaminated fuel.
•air in the fuel system, due to loose connections.
•an open or pinched sensor hose.
•low engine oil level.
•wrong fuel or oil viscosity for climactic conditions.
If these checks do not help you correct the engine performance problem
you are experiencing, consult an authorized dealer.
FUELING
WARNING:Do not use starting fluid such as ether or gasoline
in the diesel air intake system. Such fluids can cause immediate
explosive damage to the engine and possible personal injury.
If you fuel your vehicle at a truck stop, you may notice that the fuel
nozzle may shut off every 5–10 seconds. This is due to the flow rates
being designed for larger heavy duty trucks. You may have to fuel at a
slower rate (don’t depress the nozzle trigger fully).
Do not run your diesel vehicle out of fuel as this will allow air to enter
the fuel system which will make restarting difficult. The engine is
designed to run roughly as the fuel tank nears Empty. This is a warning
to the driver to add fuel as soon as possible. Longer engine cranking
time may be required once air is in the fuel system. If air enters the fuel
system (either through running the fuel tank(s) empty or during a fuel
filter change), the engine will self-purge the trapped air once it starts
running. The engine may run roughly and produce white smoke while air
is in the fuel system; this is normal and should stop after a short time.
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.
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A proper repair begins with a thorough system check. A Factory
Authorized Systems Check can ONLY be found at a Ford dealership. In
some circumstances, the technician may need to request your
authorization to perform additional operations to determine the final
diagnosis. The technician’s goal is to ensure that your vehicle is fixed
right the first time, at the best value to you.
The following list represents several of the Factory Authorized Systems
Checks available at participating Ford dealers:
•Air Conditioning
•Service Engine Soon Light
•All Wheel Drive and4X4
•Automatic Transmission
•Engine Cooling and Cabin Heating
•Steering and Suspension
•Charge/Start/Battery
•Wheel Alignment
•Anti-Lock Brake System
Genuine Ford and Motorcraft Replacement Parts
Ford dealerships stock Ford and Motorcraft branded replacement parts.
These parts meet or exceed Ford Motor Company’s specifications, and
we stand behind them. Maintenance parts installed at your Ford
dealership carry a nationwide, 12 months, 12,000 mile (20,000 km) parts
and labor limited warranty. Your dealer can give you details.
Value Shopping for Your Vehicle’s Maintenance Needs
Your dealership recognizes the competitive landscape of maintenance and
light repair automotive services. With factory-trained technicians, and
one-stop service from routine maintenance like oil changes and tire
rotations to repairs like brake service, check out the value your Ford
dealers can offer.
WHICH MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE SHOULD YOU FOLLOW?
Owner Checks and Services
Refer to Mileage Intervals for Additional Checks and Services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
by the owner or a service technician at the intervals indicated. Service
information and supporting specifications are provided in theOwner’s
Guide.
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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 engine cooling system level, coolant strength and hoses
❑Check fuel cooling system 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.
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EXCEPTIONS
In addition, there are several exceptions to the Normal Schedule. They
are listed below:
MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE RECORD
See an authorized dealer
This section of the guide is designed to allow your Ford dealer, or Ford
Auto Care service center or other qualified service technician to record
that the recommended service was completed at the appropriate mileage
intervals. Be sure to ask your service provider to record the type of
service rendered (Normal or Special Operating Conditions - SOC) each
time service is performed.
Normal Vehicle Axle Maintenance
❑Rear axles and power take-off (PTO) units containing synthetic lubricant and light duty trucks equipped with Ford-design
axles are lubricated for life. These lubricants are not to be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service is re-
quired or the axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle and PTO lubricant should be changed anytime the axle
and PTO have been submerged in water. Non-synthetic rear axle lubricants should be replaced every 3,000 miles
(5,000 km) or 3 months, whichever occurs first, during extended trailer tow operation above 70°F (21°C) ambient and
wide open throttle for extended periods above 45 mph (72 km/h). The 3,000 mile (5,000 km) lube change interval may
be waived if the axle was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear lubricant meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A, part
number F1TZ-19580-B or equivalent. Add four ounces (118 mL) of additive friction modifier C8AZ-19B546-A (EST-
M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear axles. The axle lubricant should be changed anytime an
axle has been submerged in water.
E-450, F-450 and F-550 Axle Maintenance
❑Replace rear axle lubricant every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) under normal driving conditions on all F-450 and F-550
commercial applications. For F-450 and F-550 trucks operated at or near maximum Gross Vehicle Weights, the rear axle
lubricant should be replaced every 50,000 miles (80,000 km). In addition, this 50,000 mile (80,000 km) schedule
should be observed when the vehicles are operated under the Special Operating Conditions, where noted.
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
❑The DPF may need to be removed for ash cleaning at approximately 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or greater (actual
mileage can vary greatly depending upon engine/vehicle operating conditions) and replaced with a new or remanufactured
(ash cleaned) part. The filter may need to be replaced at approximately 250,000 miles (400,000 km) depending upon
engine/vehicle operating conditions. In both cases the engine control system will set a service light (
) to inform
you to bring the vehicle to the dealer for service. If there are any issues with the oxidation catalyst/DPF system a service
light (
or) will be set by the engine control system to inform you to bring the vehicle into a dealership
for service.
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