2012 FORD F450 coolant reservoir

Door ajar (RTT): Displays when
the ignition is in the on position and
any door is not completely closed.
Engine coolant temperature
(RTT): Illuminates when the engine
coolant temperature is high. Stop
the vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let cool. Refer
to Engine coolant in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.
WARNING: Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
Low tire pressure warning (if
equipped): Illuminates when your
tire pressure is low. If the light
remains on at start up or while
driving, the tire pressure should be
checked. Refer to Inflating your tires in the Tires, Wheels and
Loading chapter. When the ignition is first turned to on, the light will
illuminate for three seconds to ensure the bulb is working. If the light
does not turn on, have the system inspected by your authorized dealer.
For more information on this system, refer to Tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter.
Hill descent (if equipped):
Displays when using the hill descent
mode. Refer to the Driving chapter
for transmission function and
operation.
Transmission Tow/Haul Feature
(if equipped): Displays when the
Tow/Haul feature has been
activated. Refer to the Driving
chapter for transmission function and operation. If the light flashes
steadily, have the system serviced immediately, damage to the
transmission could occur.Instrument Cluster
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GAUGES
Base cluster with automatic transmission shown. Metric similar.
1. Engine oil pressure gauge: Indicates engine oil pressure. The
needle should stay in the normal operating range (between L and H). If
the needle falls below the normal range, stop the vehicle, turn off the
engine and check the engine oil level. Add oil if needed. If the oil level is
correct, have your vehicle checked at your authorized dealer.
2. Engine coolant temperature gauge: Indicates engine coolant
temperature. At normal operating temperature, the needle will be in the
normal range (between H and C). If it enters the red section, the
engine is overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible,
switch off the engine and let the engine cool.
WARNING: Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
3. Transmission fluid temperature gauge: If the gauge is in the:
Normal area The transmission fluid is within the normal operating
temperature (between H and C). 1 2 3 4
6 5Instrument Cluster
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6.2L V8 gasoline engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Engine oil dipstick
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Engine coolant reservoir
6. Power distribution box
7. Air filter assembly
8. Power steering fluid reservoir
9. Engine oil filler cap
10. Battery 1 2 3 4 5 6
10
9
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6.8L V10 gasoline engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Battery
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
4. Engine oil filler cap
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Brake fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Air filter assembly
10. Power distribution box 1 2
3 5
6 7
8 9 10
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Note: For best results, coolant concentration should be tested with a
refractometer such as Rotunda tool ROB75240 available from your
dealer. Ford does not recommend the use of hydrometers or coolant test
strips for measuring coolant concentrations.
Note: The engine coolant should be at the FULL COLD level, or between
the MIN and MAX marks, or within the COLD FILL RANGE, as listed on
the engine coolant reservoir (depending upon the application).
Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. The level may extend beyond the
FULL COLD level, or the MAX mark, or the COLD FILL RANGE.
If the level is below the FULL COLD level, at or below the MIN mark, or
below the COLD FILL RANGE, add coolant immediately per the Adding
engine coolant instructions in this chapter.
Note: Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant/antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
Adding engine coolant
WARNING: Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot.
Steam and scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system
can burn you badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts.
WARNING: Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer
fluid container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant
could make it difficult to see through the windshield.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the
engine is cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap.
The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come
out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
WARNING: Do not add coolant further than the MAX mark.
Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, cooling system sealants, or unapproved
additives as they can cause damage to the engine cooling or heating
systems. This damage would not be covered under your vehicle’s warranty.Maintenance and Specifications
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Note: During normal vehicle operation, the engine coolant may change
color from orange to pink or light red. As long as the engine coolant is
clear and uncontaminated, this color change does not indicate the engine
coolant has degraded nor does it require the engine coolant to be
drained, the system to be flushed, or the engine coolant to be replaced.
• DO NOT MIX different colors or types of coolant in your vehicle.
Mixing of engine coolants may harm your engine’s cooling system.
Only use engine coolant that meets the Ford specification. Generic
coolants for all makes and models may not meet the Ford
specification. The use of an improper coolant may harm engine and
cooling system components and may void the warranty. See
Capacities and Specifications for more information.
• In case of emergency, a large amount of water without engine coolant
may be added in order to reach a vehicle service location. In this
instance, the cooling system must be drained, chemically cleaned, and
refilled with prediluted engine coolant as soon as possible per the
instructions in the Workshop Manual. Water alone (without engine
coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion, overheating or
freezing.
• Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants mixed with
alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant). Alcohol and other liquids can
cause engine damage from overheating or freezing.
• Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant. These can be
harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine coolant.
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems and a non-pressurized
cap on the coolant recovery system, add prediluted engine coolant to
the FULL COLD level on the coolant recovery reservoir when the engine
is cool.
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems and a pressure relief
cap on the radiator, follow these steps to add engine coolant:
1. Turn off the engine and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the radiator.
3. Slowly turn the coolant pressure relief cap counterclockwise until
pressure begins to release.
4. Step back while the pressure releases.
5. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap. Maintenance and Specifications
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6. Remove the cap from the engine coolant reservoir.
7. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with prediluted engine coolant to the
FULL COLD level, or between the MIN and MAX marks, or the COLD
FILL RANGE, as listed on the engine coolant reservoir (depending upon
application).
8. Add prediluted engine coolant to the radiator until the coolant is
visible and the radiator is almost full.
9. Install the cap to the engine coolant reservoir. Tighten the cap in
order to prevent coolant loss.
10. Install the pressure relief cap to the radiator. Tighten the cap in
order to prevent coolant loss.
For vehicles which have a coolant degas system with a
pressurized cap on the coolant reservoir, follow these steps to add
engine coolant:
1. Turn off the engine and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir.
3. Slowly turn the coolant pressure relief cap counterclockwise until
pressure begins to release.
4. Step back while the pressure releases.
5. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
6. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with prediluted engine coolant to
within the FULL COLD level, or between the MIN and MAX marks, or
the COLD FILL RANGE, as listed on the engine coolant reservoir
(depending upon application).
Whenever you add coolant, check the coolant concentration. See
Checking the engine coolant in this chapter. If the concentration is not
50%, drain some coolant and adjust the concentration. It may take
several drains and additions to obtain a 50% coolant concentration.
The next few times you drive the vehicle, check the coolant level in the
coolant reservoir. If necessary, add enough prediluted engine coolant to
bring the coolant level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 quart (1.0 liter) of engine coolant per
month, have your authorized dealer check the engine cooling system. Your
cooling system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low level of
coolant can result in engine overheating and possible engine damage.Maintenance and Specifications
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Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company does not recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet available.
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner.
Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling and
disposing of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
to Maintenance product specifications and capacities in this chapter.
If your vehicle is equipped with a diesel engine, refer to the
Maintenance product specifications and capacities section of your
diesel supplement.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined previously in the Adding
engine coolant section.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
• It may be necessary to have a Ford authorized dealer increase the
coolant concentration above 50%.
• A coolant concentration of 60% will provide improved freeze point
protection. Engine coolant concentrations above 60% will decrease the
overheat protection characteristics of the engine coolant and may
cause engine damage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
• It may be necessary to have a Ford authorized dealer decrease the
coolant concentration to 40%.
• A coolant concentration of 40% will provide improved overheat
protection. Engine coolant concentrations below 40% will decrease the
corrosion/freeze protection characteristics of the engine coolant and
may cause engine damage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use
prediluted engine coolant for optimum cooling system and engine
protection. Maintenance and Specifications
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