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.
Driving
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2010 Econoline(eco)
Supplement(supplement), 1st Printing
USA(fus)
If you experience difficult starting, rough idling, excessive exhaust
smoke, a decrease in engine performance or excess fuel consumption,
perform the following checks:
•a plugged air inlet system or engine air filter element.
•water in the fuel filter/water separator.
•a clogged fuel filter.
•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.
Maintenance and Specifications
55
2010 Econoline(eco)
Supplement(supplement), 1st Printing
USA(fus)