Cleaner air - gasoline engines
Ford endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality, per the recommendations in theChoosing the right
fuelsection.
Running out of fuel - diesel engines
Avoid running out of fuel as this allows air to enter the fuel system,
which makes restarting the vehicle difficult.
If you have run out of fuel:
•If your vehicle is equipped with dual fuel tanks,add at least
4–5 gallons (15–19 liters) of fuel to each tank before attempting to
restart the engine.
•The fuel system must be primed before attempting to restart the
engine. Refer to the engine operator’s manual for instructions on
priming the engine.
•Use caution not to overheat and damage the starterby cranking
the engine for an excessive period of time. You may need to crank the
engine for a longer time than normal. If the engine fails to start in
30 seconds, turn the ignition to the off position and wait for two
minutes before cranking the engine again.
•Any remaining trapped air self-purges from the fuel system once the
engine starts running.
•The engine may run rough and produce white smoke while air is in
the fuel system. This is normal and should stop after a short period of
time.
Running out of fuel - gasoline engines
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
effect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from off to on several times after
refueling to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine. On restarting, cranking time will take a few seconds longer
than normal.
•If your vehicle is equipped with dual fuel tanks,adding
4–5 gallons (15–19 liters) of fuel is enough to restart the engine. If the
vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than 4–5 gallons
(15–19 liters) may be required.
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•The service engine soonindicator may come on. For more
information on the service engine soon
indicator, refer to
Warning lights and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) System - diesel engines
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 must be
maintained. Generally, the DEF tank should be filled before the DEF
gauge in the instrument cluster reached the first low level warning (refer
toDEF warning messages and vehicle operations).
The engine control unit monitors the amount of fluid available in the
DEF tank. Failure to maintain an adequate amount of DEF in the system
generates warning messages that appear in the instrument cluster
message center and, unless the DEF tank is refilled, leads to a forced
reduction of engine operations.
DEF warning messages and vehicle operations
Your vehicle is equipped with a DEF gauge located in the instrument
cluster. The low level warning symbols (see chart) are illuminated if the
DEF gauge level drops below 0.5 gallon (1.9L) in the 5 gallon (19.0L)
DEF tank or 1 gallon (3.8L) in the 9 gallon (34.0L) DEF tank.
Upon filling the DEF tank after a low level warning, normal operation
resumes when the vehicle is restarted.
Continued driving without refilling results in the following actions as
required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
DEF Low Level Warning and Vehicle Consequence
DEF Tank LevelIndicator
LampsConsequence Remedy
Above initial
warning threshold
(Over 10% full)None None None
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DEF Low Level Warning and Vehicle Consequence
DEF Tank LevelIndicator
LampsConsequence Remedy
Below initial warning
threshold (10% full)DEF solid
None
Add minimum of
1 gallon (3.8L)
DEF to 5 gallon
(19.0L) tank or
2 gallons (7.6L)
DEF to 9 gallon
(34.0L) tank Below critical
warning threshold
(5% full)DEF
blinking
None
Below initial derate
level (2.5% full)DEF
blinking
/
Amber warning
solid40% torque
reduction
Empty + engine
intentionally shut
down or in extended
idleDEF
blinking
/
Amber warning
solid
/
Red engine
solid
40% torque
reduction +
5 mph
(8 km/h)
vehicle speed
limit
Filling the DEF tank
Your vehicle is equipped with a DEF tank with a blue-capped filler port
The 5 gallon (19.0L) DEF tank is located on the left side of the vehicle
under the cab and the 9 gallon (34.0L) DEF tank is located on the right
side of the vehicle behind the Regular Cab and Super Cabs and under the
Crew Cab. 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. Motorcraftbrand
DEF bottles are recommended. Other aftermarket bottles can be used but
it should have a seal on the spout and an internal vent tube to achieve best
fill performance and prevent overfilling.
Note:Do not put DEF in the fuel tank or any other tank on the vehicle.
This can cause damage to components not covered by your vehicle’s
warranty.
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Contaminated DEF
SCR systems are sensitive to
contamination of the DEF. USE
ONLY CERTIFIED DIESEL
EXHAUST FLUID. If the system
becomes contaminated and the
vehicle continues to be driven with
contaminated DEF, the following warnings result:
Reducing Agent and Vehicle Consequence
Condition Indicator Lamps Consequence
Correct reducing agent None None
Incorrect reducing agent, at
detectionAmber warning
None
Incorrect reducing agent, at
detection + 10 hoursAmber warning
40% torque
reduction
Incorrect reducing agent, at
detection + 20 hours and
engine intentionally shut
down or in extended idleAmber warning
Red engine
40% torque
reduction+5mph
(8 km/h) vehicle
speed limit
If any of these warnings appear, the contaminated DEF must be purged
and replaced with approved DEF; refer to an authorized dealer or the
workshop manual.
Upon filling the DEF tank after a DEF contaminated warning, normal
operation resumes when the vehicle is restarted.
DEF guidelines and information
•DEF is non-flammable, non-toxic, colorless and water-soluble liquid.
•Use only DEF that carries the trademark: AMERICAN PETROLEUM
INSTITUTE CERTIFIED DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID.
•Ammonia odor may be smelled when cap is removed or during refill.
Refill DEF in a well ventilated area.
•Prior to filling, make sure surrounding area is clean of debris to
prevent contamination.
•Do not dilute DEF with water or any other liquid.
•Do not put DEF in the fuel tank or any other tank on the vehicle.
•Do not re-use the DEF container or nozzle once it is emptied.
•Do not overfill the DEF tank.
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•Avoid spilling DEF on painted surfaces, carpeting or plastic
components. Immediately wipe away any DEF that has spilled on
painted surfaces with a damp cloth and water. If it has already
crystallized, use warm water and a sponge.
•DEF freezes below 12°F (-11°C). Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic pre-heating system which allows the DEF system to operate
below 12°F (-11°C).
•Do not store DEF bottle in vehicle. If it leaks it could cause damage to
interior components or release ammonia odor inside the vehicle.
•Store DEF fluid out of direct sunlight and in temperatures between
23°F (-5°C) – 68°F (20°C).
FUEL CONSUMPTION IMPROVEMENT MEASURES
There are two important factors you can control to improve fuel
economy: the mechanical condition of your vehicle and how you drive it.
A properly maintained vehicle delivers better performance than a
neglected vehicle. Always follow your maintenance schedule to keep your
vehicle in top operating condition.
Also, your driving habits have a significant influence on use of fuel. By
following these suggestions, you can stretch your fuel use:
•Avoid changes in speed as much as possible.
•Anticipate changing traffic conditions. Sudden stops and fast
acceleration waste fuel.
•Avoid extensive idling.
•Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal.
Essentials of good fuel economy
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) of driving (engine break-in period). You get a more accurate
measurement after 2,000–3,000 miles (3,000–5,000 km).
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank(s) on your vehicle is equal
to the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank(s) as listed inRefill
capacitiesin this chapter. The advertised capacity is the amount of the
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indicated capacity and the empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is
the difference in the amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the
fuel gauge indicates empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of usable
fuel remaining in the fuel tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of empty reserve varies and should not be relied
upon to increase driving range. When refueling your vehicle after
the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be able to refuel
the full amount of the advertised capacity of the fuel tank due to
the empty reserve still present in the tank.
Filling the tank
For consistent results:
•Use the same fill rate setting (low-medium-high) each time during
filling.
•Allow three automatic click-offs when filling.
•Always use fuel of a known quality, preferably a national brand.
•Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
•When refueling a vehicle equipped with dual fuel tanks, if the two
tanks are not filled equally, the fuel gauge reading may fluctuate
slightly until the fuel level between the two tanks balance out and
become equal.
Your results are most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
Note:For vehicles equipped with dual fuel tanks, engine performance
may degrade if fuel is not added to both tanks when refueling.
Calculating fuel economy
1. Fill the fuel tank(s) completely and record the initial odometer
reading (in miles or kilometers).
2. Each time you fill the tank(s), record the amount of fuel added (in
gallons or liters).
3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank(s) and record
the current odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer
reading.
5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fuel
economy:
•Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
•Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total kilometers traveled.
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Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This provides an accurate estimate of the vehicle’s fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter shows how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style - good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
•Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
•Steady speeds without stopping usually give the best fuel economy.
•Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
•Slow down gradually.
•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
Conditions
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Flat terrain driving improves fuel economy over hilly roads.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the accelerator.
•Close windows for highway driving.
DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF)
Your vehicle is equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF), as part of
the after-treatment exhaust system, to trap soot and other large particles
produced by the engine combustion process. The soot that accumulates
in the filter must be periodically reduced to ash to prevent excessive
exhaust restriction. The soot reduction process, also known as “filter
regeneration,” is generally performed automatically by your engine and
after-treatment system.
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WARNING:The normal operating temperature of the exhaust
system is very high. Never work around, or attempt to repair,
any part of the exhaust system until it has cooled. Use special care
when working around the diesel particulate filter. The DPF heats up to
a high temperature after only a short period of engine operation, and
can remain hot even after the engine is turned off. Failure to follow
these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
Diesel particulate filter regeneration
Under most operating conditions, DPF regeneration is transparent to the
operator. A small increase in engine/turbo sound-level is normal during
filter regeneration. If, however, your engine is operated for extended
periods of time under one of the following conditions, operator
assistance may be required to facilitate the filter regeneration process:
•Vehicle is operated in stop-and-go traffic and/or maintains low speeds
as in a city/delivery driving
•Engine is started and shut-off frequently
•Vehicle payload is relatively light
•Vehicle is regularly operated in cold ambient temperatures (i.e. below
0°F [-18°C])
Diesel Particulate Filter Four–Level Loading Chart
Level/Lamp status Filter status Requested action
Level 1
solidRegeneration
requiredDrive on highway at
highway speedsORstart
“parked regeneration” to
prevent loss of engine
performance Level 2
flashing
(once per second)Nearly full; engine
performance is
limited
Level 3
flashing +solidFull; engine is
increasingly limitedPerform “parked
regeneration” to prevent
loss of engine
performance
Level 4
solidOver full; engine
performance is highly
limited. Continued
operation may result
in irreparable damage
to the filter.Pull vehicle safely off
roadway, turn on hazard
flashers and shut down
engine as soon as
possible; seek service
immediately
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