
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.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a cold weather starting strategy that
prevents severe engine damage by assisting in engine lubrication
warm-up. In extremely cold ambient temperatures, this strategy activates
and prevents the accelerator pedal from being used for 30 seconds after
starting the vehicle. By not allowing the accelerator pedal to be used, the
engine oil is allowed to properly lubricate the bearings preventing engine
damage due to lack of proper lubrication. After the 30 second warm-up
period, the accelerator pedal will be operational again as long as the
pedal is not being pressed when the 30 second time limit expires. When
starting the engine in extremely cold temperatures (-15°F [–26°C]), it is
recommended to allow the engine to idle for several minutes before
driving the vehicle.
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.
2009 Econoline(eco)
Supplement, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driving
11 

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.
2009 Econoline(eco)
Supplement, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driving
14 

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
2009 Econoline(eco)
Supplement, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driving
15 

Installation - both
The engine will not run properly if the fuel filter is not installed
in housing.
1. Install the new fuel filter and cap seal into the fuel filter housing.
Refer toMotorcraft Part Numberslater in this chapter for the fuel filter
part number.
2. Tighten cap onto fuel filter housing slowly, allowing fuel to soak into
the fuel filter element. Tighten cap until it contacts the housing.
Turn the ignition key to on for 30 seconds, then turn it to off. Do this a
total of six times in a row to purge any trapped air from the fuel system.
Replace the filter bowl O-ring with new seal (included in filter kit) every
time you service the filter.
After filter service, a no start or rough running engine may indicate that
air is entering the system through the filter bowl seal or drain. Make sure
the drain lever is pointing rearward and stowed against the HFCM case.
Using a fuel which has more than average impurities may require
the fuel filter to be replaced more frequently than the service
interval specifies.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil level
Because it is normal to add some oil between oil changes, check your
engine oil level each time you stop for fuel. To check the engine oil level
consistently and accurately, the following procedure is recommended:
1. Have engine at normal operating temperature (at least into the
NORMAL range on the engine coolant temperature gauge).
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface, then turn off the engine and open
the hood.
3. Allow at least20 minutesafter engine shutdown to ensure that the
oil contained in the upper parts of the engine has returned to the oil
pan.
4. Protecting yourself from engine heat, pull out the dipstick, wipe it
clean and reinsert fully.
5. Read oil level on both sides of dipstick and use highest level (reading)
for the actual engine oil level.
6. Maintain the oil level between MIN and MAX or the ADD and
OPERATING RANGE on the dipstick by adding oil as required. The
2009 Econoline(eco)
Supplement, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
44 

distance from MIN to MAX or ADD to OPERATING RANGE on the
dipstick represents 2.0 quarts (1.9L). Do not overfill. If the oil level
exceeds MAX or OPERATING RANGE, oil consumption may result.
Engine oil specifications
To help achieve acceptable engine performance and durability, it is
important that only engine oils of good quality are used in your diesel
engine and it is changed at the recommended interval. For normal or
severe service, use Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil conforming to Ford
specification WSS-M2C171–E or API service categories CJ-4 or CJ-4/SM.
It is important to use these oils because they are compatible with the
emission control equipment of your vehicle to meet the more stringent
emission standards.
The use of correct oil viscosities for diesel engines is important for
satisfactory operation. Determine which oil viscosity best suits the
temperature range you expect to encounter for the next service interval
from the following SAE viscosity grade charts. The charts are separated
by vehicle/engine type due to different engine oil viscosity requirements
at different temperatures.
E-Series vehicles (6.0L engine):
*SAE 15W-40 recommended for trailer towing.
2009 Econoline(eco)
Supplement, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
45 

•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.
2009 Econoline(eco)
Supplement, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
48 

•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.
2009 Econoline(eco)
Supplement, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
55 

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.
2009 Econoline(eco)
Supplement, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Scheduled Maintenance: General Information
64