2012 FORD F650 coolant level

Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Service Engine SoonEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check Fuel CapLow Tire Pressure
Warning
Introduction
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To be sure your vehicle is ready to operate, conduct a pre-trip inspection
at the beginning of each work period. Follow the steps listed in this
section to ensure a proper vehicle inspection procedure. The pages in
this section may be produced locally and used on a regular basis.
VEHICLE INSPECTION INFORMATION
Note:Always make sure the parking brake is applied before starting the
engine.
Engine compartment (with engine stopped)
Engine oilUse the dipstick to verify the oil level is in the
proper operating range.
Engine coolantLook through the plastic reservoir or the clear
sight glass on the reservoir (depending upon
vehicle equipment) and verify the coolant level is
within the proper operating range as marked on
the reservoir.Do not remove pressure cap
until the coolant has cooled.
Power steering
fluidVerify that the fluid level is in the proper
operating range. Refer toPower steering fluidin
theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Brake fluidRemove the master cylinder caps and inspect the
fluid level. The full mark is at the bottom of the
opening of the fluid ports.
Hydraulic clutch
fluidRemove the cap and inspect the fluid level. The
full mark is at the step of the reservoir.
Belts (fan,
alternator, water
pump and A/C
compressor)Inspect for glazing, fraying or cracking. There
should be no more than 5-7 cracks per rib, per
inch (2.5 cm).
Fluid leaksInspect for signs of fluid puddles, dripping fluid
on the ground under the engine or the underside
of the engine.
HVAC air inletInspect for debris that may have collected on the
HVAC air inlet grille or inside the exterior module
as this may cause reduced system performance.
Vehicle Inspection Guide
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GAUGES
Base instrument cluster for diesel engine with standard measure
shown; metric similar
1.Tachometer:Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute.
Driving with your tachometer pointer continuously at the top of the scale
may damage the engine.
2.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.
3.Engine coolant temperature gauge:Indicates engine coolant
temperature. At normal operating temperature, the needle is 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.
4.Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) gauge:Indicates fluid level in DEF tank.
Instrument Cluster
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5.Fuel gauge:Indicates approximately how much fuel is left in the fuel
tank (when the ignition is in the on position). The fuel gauge reading
may vary slightly when the vehicle is in motion or on a grade. Refer to
Filling the tankin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter for
more information.
6.Speedometer:Indicates the current vehicle speed.
Odometer and trip odometer:The odometer is displayed on the lower
line in the message center and registers the total accumulated distance
the vehicle has traveled. For trip odometer information, refer toMessage
centerin this chapter.
Base instrument cluster for gasoline engine with standard
measure 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.
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Instrument Cluster
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Starting a diesel engine with the vehicle on a steep grade
When starting a diesel engine when the loaded vehicle is on a grade, the
engine RPM starts to fall slightly when the clutch is engaged; do not
disengage the clutch and try to increase engine RPM as this may damage
driveline components. The engine recovers as the vehicle begins moving.
Cold weather operation
WARNING:Do not use volatile starting aids such as ether,
propane or gasoline in the engine air intake system. Glow plugs
may ignite vapors which can cause engine damage or personal injury.
For best engine operation in temperatures of 32°F (0°C) or lower:
•Make sure the batteries are the correct type and are fully charged.
Check other electrical components to make sure they’re in optimum
condition.
•Use a permanent-type engine coolant to protect the engine against
damage from freezing.
•If your vehicle is equipped with a water-fuel separator, drain it daily.
Fill the fuel tank at the end of daily operation to prevent condensation
in the fuel system.
•Use the proper engine oil and maintain it at its proper level.
•
At temperatures of –4°F (–20°C) or below, it is recommended that you
use a crankcase-mounted coolant 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 does not heat the engine to its normal
operating temperature. Long periods of idling in cold weather can cause
a build-up of heavy deposits of carbon and rust on valve stems causing
them to stick which, in turn, can cause valvetrain damage.
The use of winter fronts, or other air-restrictive devices mounted in front
of the radiator on vehicles with chassis-mounted charge air coolers, are
not recommended unless extremely cold weather conditions exist. Air
flow restriction can cause high exhaust temperatures, power loss,
excessive fan usage and a reduction in fuel economy. If you must use a
winter front, the device should have a permanent opening of at least 120
sq in. (774 sq. cm) directly in line with the fan hub.
Driving
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may be limited and your vehicle may stall. Water may also enter your
engine’s air intake and severely damage your engine, drive axles or the
transmission (through the breather ports).
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your vehicle
slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Wet brakes do
not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
ENGINE AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN WARNING LIGHT OR CHIME
(IF EQUIPPED)
This feature illuminates a light in the instrument cluster and/or sounds a
chime indicating that the engine is being shut down in the event of high
coolant temperature, low engine oil pressure, high diesel particulate filter
soot loading or low engine coolant level. In the event any of these
conditions exist, the engine automatically shuts down.
If the engine shuts down, it can be restarted and operated for
30 seconds at a time or until the problem is corrected. Do not attempt to
use this restarting feature to drive the vehicle very far as serious engine
damage could result.
WARNING:In the event of engine shutdown, make sure the
vehicle is safely off the road and the problem is remedied prior
to returning to the road. Failure to remove the vehicle from the road
could result in an accident, causing serious injury or death.
GENERAL BRAKE INFORMATION
All standard equipment brakes are designed to be self-adjusting.
Automatic adjustment, when required, occurs whenever the brakes are
applied and released during forward or reverse operation. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guidechapter for scheduled maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a performance
concern with the vehicle’s brake system. In normal operation, automotive
brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent squeal or groan noises
when the brakes are applied. Such noises are usually heard during the first
few brake applications in the morning; however, they may be heard at any
time while braking and can be aggravated by environmental conditions
such as cold, heat, moisture, road dust, salt or mud. If a “metal-to-metal,”
“continuous grinding” or “continuous squeal” sound is present while
braking, the brake linings may be worn-out and should be inspected by a
qualified service technician.
Know the required stopping distances for all driving conditions that may
be encountered. For longer brake lining life, take full advantage of engine
braking power when coming to a stop.
Driving
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Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
Fan clutches
Your vehicle’s cooling system is equipped with a viscous fan clutch
which:
•Helps control cooling, increase performance, improve fuel economy
and reduce noise.
•Is controlled by bimetallic spring sensors. Do not tamper with these
sensors as this may change their calibration or keep the fan clutch
from operating at all.
WARNING:Stay clear of the fan/fan area while the engine is
running or possible personal injury may occur.
ENGINE COOLANT (GAS ENGINE ONLY)
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
intervals listed in your scheduled maintenance information. The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and distilled water.
For best results, coolant concentration should be tested with a
refractometer such as Rotunda tool 300-ROB75240E available from your
dealer. Ford does not recommend the use of hydrometers or coolant test
strips for measuring coolant concentration. The level of coolant should
be maintained at the FULL COLD level or within the COLD FILL RANGE
in the coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the
instructions in theAdding engine coolantsection.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50/50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•Improved freeze protection.
•Improved boiling protection.
•Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•Proper function of calibrated gauges.
When the engine is cold, check the level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
Maintenance and Specifications
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•The engine coolant should be at the FULL COLD level, or within the
COLD FILL or MIN / MAX range as listed on the engine coolant
reservoir (depending upon application).
•Refer to your scheduled maintenance information for service interval
schedules.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer toAdding
engine coolantin 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
When adding coolant, make sure it is a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and distilled water. Add the mixture to the coolant reservoir,when the
engine is cool,until the appropriate fill level is obtained. If coolant is
filled to the COLD FILL RANGE or FULL COLD level when the engine is
not cool, the system will remain underfilled.
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.
•DO NOT MIXdifferent colors or types of coolant in your vehicle.
Make sure the correct coolant is used. Mixing of engine coolants may
harm your engine’s cooling system. The use of an improper coolant
may harm engine and cooling system components and may void the
warranty. Refer toMaintenance product specifications and
capacitiesin this chapter.
Note:Do not use stop leak pellets or cooling system sealants/additives
as they can cause damage to the engine cooling and/or heating systems.
This damage would not be covered under your vehicle’s warranty.
Maintenance and Specifications
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