Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) System
Your vehicle is equipped with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR)
system to help reduce emission levels of oxides of nitrogen from the
exhaust of the diesel engine. The system automatically injects diesel
exhaust fluid (DEF) into the exhaust system to enable proper SCR
function.
Importance of maintaining the DEF level
In order for the SCR system to operate properly, the DEF level must be
maintained. Generally, the DEF tank should be filled during the oil
change service interval. See thescheduled maintenance informationin
this supplement for more information. However, certain conditions or
driving styles, such as trailer towing or fast rates of acceleration, will
require the refilling of the DEF tank more often.
The engine control unit will monitor the amount of fluid available in the
DEF tank. Running a system check in the message center will indicate
whether the DEF level is ok or if it is less than 1/2 full. A message will
automatically be displayed in the message center when the DEF level is
low and needs to be refilled. When you see this message you should refill
your tank. SeeMessage centerin theInstrument Clusterchapter of
yourOwner’s Guidefor message center functions. For instructions on
refilling your DEF tank, seeFilling the DEF tanklater in this section.
DEF warning messages and vehicle operations
WARNING:Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) must be refilled when
low or replaced when contaminated or the vehicle speed will be
speed limited to 55 mph (89 km/h) and then 50 mph (80 km/h). In
these conditions, drive with caution and refill DEF immediately. If the
DEF becomes empty or contaminated fluid is not replaced, the vehicle
will become limited to idle speed only once stopped. In these
conditions, be cautious where you stop the vehicle because you may
not be able to drive long distances and will not be able to maintain
highway speeds until DEF is refilled or replaced.
Your vehicle’s message center will display a series of messages regarding
the amount of DEF available. A systems check will display messages
indicating the amount of DEF available (OK or under
1 2full) or will
produce a warning message that displays the mileage (kilometers)
remaining as the fluid in the DEF tank nears empty. For more
information on warning messages, see theMessage centersection in the
Instrument Clusterchapter of yourOwner’s Guide.
Maintenance and Specifications
26
2011 Econoline(eco)
Supplement, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
As the DEF level nears empty, the
DEF warning symbol will be
displayed and chimes will sound
with the messages starting at
300 miles (483 km) remaining
before DEF is depleted. The
warning symbol and messages will
continue until the DEF tank is
refilled.
Continued driving without refilling will result in the following actions as
required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
•Within a certain number of miles (kilometers) to empty, speed will be
limited upon vehicle restart. Prior to this occurring a message will
appear in the message center.
•Further vehicle operation without refilling your DEF tank will cause
the engine to enter an idle-only condition. This will only occur upon
vehicle refueling and will be indicated by a message in the message
center indicating required actions to resume normal operation. It is
required to add a minimum of 0.5 gallons (1.9L) of DEF to the tank to
exit the idle-only condition, but the vehicle will still be in the speed
limiting mode until the tank is refilled.
For either vehicle speed limiting or idle-only condition, normal vehicle
operation will resume when the DEF tank is refilled.
Note:When filling the DEF tank from empty, there may be a short delay
before detecting the increased level of DEF. This must occur before full
power is returned.
Maintenance and Specifications
27
2011 Econoline(eco)
Supplement, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Low DEF Warnings and Actions — Instrument Cluster Messages (Optional message
center messages shown, base message center messages similar)
Distance/DEF Level
or ActionCluster MessageCustomer Requested
ActionsVehicle Actions
Full TankExhaust Fluid
Level OKDrive normally None
Below
1 2TankExhaust Fluid
Under
1 2FullDrive normally None
800 Miles (1287 km)Exhaust Fluid
Range 800 miles
(1287 km)Refill exhaust fluid None
300 Miles (483 km)Exhaust Fluid
Range 300 miles
(483 km)Refill exhaust fluid None
99 Miles (159 km)In 99 Miles
(159 km) Speed
Limited to
55 MPH (89 km/h)
Exhaust Fluid
EmptyRefill exhaust fluid None
*0 Miles (0 km)Speed Limited to
55 MPH (89 km/h)
Max Upon Restart
Exhaust Fluid
EmptyRefill exhaust fluid None
Maintenance and Specifications
28
2011 Econoline(eco)
Supplement, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Low DEF Warnings and Actions — Instrument Cluster Messages (Optional message
center messages shown, base message center messages similar)
Distance/DEF Level
or ActionCluster MessageCustomer Requested
ActionsVehicle Actions
RestartSpeed Limited To
55 MPH (89 km/h)
Exhaust Fluid
emptyRefill exhaust fluid
On vehicle restart, speed
is limited to 55 MPH.
(89 km/h
*No action occurs until
restart.
*200 Miles (322 km)In 200 Miles
(322 km) Speed
Limited to
50 MPH (80 km/h)
Exhaust Fluid
EmptyRefill exhaust fluid
RestartSpeed Limited To
50 MPH (80 km/h)
Exhaust Fluid
EmptyRefill exhaust fluidOn vehicle restart, speed
is limited to 50 MPH
(80 km/h).
**No action taken until
vehicle is refueled
**100 Miles (161 km)Engine Idled Upon
Refuel Exhaust
Fluid EmptyRefill exhaust fluid
Diesel Tank FillEngine Idled-See
Owner’s Manual
Exhaust Fluid
EmptyRefill exhaust fluidEngine limited to idle
ONLY
Maintenance and Specifications
29
2011 Econoline(eco)
Supplement, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Filling the DEF tank
Your vehicle is equipped with a DEF tank with a blue-capped filler port
located next to the diesel fuel fill inlet. The tank can be filled using a
nozzle at a DEF filling station (similar to fuel fill) or using a DEF bottle
with a spout. MotorcraftDEF bottles are recommended as they are
designed to be spill proof and will stop the flow of DEF when the tank is
full. Other aftermarket bottles can be used, but they should have a seal
on the spout and an internal vent tube to achieve best fill performance
and prevent overfilling. Overfilling your DEF tank can cause damage to
the tank.
Note:Do not put DEF in the fuel tank. This can cause engine damage
not covered by your vehicle’s warranty.
Note:Immediately wipe away any DEF that has spilled on painted
surfaces with water and a damp cloth to prevent damage to the paint.
You can purchase DEF at your authorized dealer, most highway truck
stops or you can contact roadside assistance for help in finding a retailer
that sells DEF. See theCustomer Assistancechapter in theOwner’s
Guidefor more information. In addition, there is a government website
locator for DEF at the following web address that can be used to find the
nearest location to purchase DEF: http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/
locator/def.
Use only DEF certified by the
American Petroleum Institute (API)
such as MotorcraftDEF or
equivalent meeting Ford specification
WSS-M99C130-A and/or ISO 22241.
Look for API certification trademark
shown here. Repairs resulting from
the use of non-certified DEF
products may not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty.
Maintaining the purity of DEF is important to avoid malfunctions in the
SCR system.
If DEF is removed from the tank for repair work, etc., the same DEF
must not be used to refill the tank as its purity is no longer guaranteed.
WARNING:Make sure that DEF does not come into contact
with eyes, skin or clothing. Should DEF contact your eyes, flush
them with plenty of water and contact a physician. Clean affected skin
with soap and water. If DEF is swallowed, drink plenty of water and
contact a physician immediately.
Maintenance and Specifications
30
2011 Econoline(eco)
Supplement, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
WARNING:Refill DEF in a well-ventilated area. When opening
the cap on the DEF tank or bottle containing DEF, ammonia
vapors may escape. The vapors can be irritating to skin, eyes and
mucous membranes. Inhaling ammonia vapors can cause burning to the
eyes, throat and nose and cause coughing and watery eyes.
To fill the DEF tank, see your authorized dealer or do the following
(before filling the DEF tank in cold climates, seeFilling the DEF tank
in cold climateslater in this section):
•DEF bottle fill with spout:
The following procedure applies to MotorcraftDEF or similar DEF
bottles; for other brands or bottle types, refer to the instructions on the
bottle label.
1. Remove the cap from the DEF
container. Remove the spout from
the bottle and insert the straw end
into the bottle. Ensure that the
arrow above the nut is aligned with
the bottle handle and the small tube
end extends into the far corner of
the bottle. Twist the spout nut on
the container until it is tight.
2. Open the DEF filler port on the
vehicle by turning the blue cap
counterclockwise.
Maintenance and Specifications
31
2011 Econoline(eco)
Supplement, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
•Store DEF out of direct sunlight and in temperatures between 23°F
(-5°C) — 68°F (20°C).
•DEF will freeze below 12°F (-11°C).
•Do not store DEF bottle in vehicle. If it leaks it could cause damage to
interior components or release an ammonia odor inside the vehicle.
•DEF is non-flammable, non-toxic, colorless and water-soluble liquid.
•Do not dilute DEF with water or any other liquid.
•An ammonia odor may be smelled when the cap is removed or during
refill. Refill DEF in a well ventilated area.
FUEL FILTER/WATER SEPARATOR
Diesel Fuel Conditioner Module (DFCM)
The vehicle is equipped with a diesel fuel conditioning module (DFCM)
located on the frame-rail under the driver-side floorboard near the
transmission
Water should be drained from the
module assembly whenever the
warning light comes on and the
message center directs you to drain
the water separator. This will occur when approximately 0.32 pints (150
ml) of water accumulates in the module. If water level is allowed to
exceed this level, the water may be passed through to the engine and
may cause fuel injection equipment damage.
Draining the DFCM
1. Stop the vehicle andshut offthe engine.
WARNING:The vehicle must be stopped with the engine off
when draining the DFCM. Fuel may ignite if the separator is
drained while the engine is running or vehicle is moving.
Note:Air will enter into the fuel system if the DFCM is drained while
the system is running. The engine will not operate properly if air enters
the system.
2. Locate the DFCM and place an appropriate container under the drain
port (see illustration).
Maintenance and Specifications
35
2011 Econoline(eco)
Supplement, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
To change the engine oil and oil filter:
1. Unscrew the oil filter and oil pan drain plug and wait for the oil to drain.
Note:The oil pan drain plug only requires 1/4 turn to removal/install. A
3/8 inch socket drive may be used to assist with removal/installation, but be
careful not to over-tighten the plug during installation.
2. Replace the filter.
3. Reinstall the oil pan drain plug.
4. Refill the engine with new oil. For the proper capacity, see
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
5. Reset the Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™. SeeMessage centerin the
Instrument Clusterchapter for more information.
WARNING:Do not handle a hot oil filter with bare hands.
WARNING:Continuous contact with used motor oil has caused
cancer in laboratory mice. Protect your skin by washing with
soap and water.
Engine lubrication for severe service operation
The following conditions define severe operation for which engine
operation with SAE 5W-40 API CJ-4 is recommended. Oil and oil filter
change intervals will be determined by the Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™
as noted previously.
•
frequent or extended idling (over 10 minutes per hour of normal driving)
•low-speed operation/stationary use
•if vehicle is operated in sustained ambient temperatures below -10°F
(-23°C) or above 100°F (38°C)
•frequent low-speed operation, consistent heavy traffic less than
25 mph (40 km/h)
•operating in severe dust conditions
•operating the vehicle off road
•towing a trailer over 1,000 miles (1,600 km)
•sustained, high-speed driving at Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(maximum loaded weight for vehicle operation)
•
use of fuels with sulfur content other than ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD)
•use of high-sulfur diesel fuel
Maintenance and Specifications
43
2011 Econoline(eco)
Supplement, 1st Printing
USA(fus)