Maintenance 201
General information...................................201
Opening and closing the hood............................202
Under hood overview..................................203
Engine oil dipstick....................................204
Engine oil check......................................204
Engine coolant check..................................205
Automatic transmission fluid check........................210
Brake fluid check.....................................217
Power steering fluid check..............................217
Fuel filter...........................................217
Washer fluid check....................................218
Changing the vehicle battery.............................218
Checking the wiper blades..............................221
Changing the wiper blades..............................221
Air filter(s).........................................221
Adjusting the headlamps................................223
Changing a bulb......................................226
Removing a headlamp..................................226
Vehicle Care 233
Cleaning products.....................................233
Cleaning the exterior..................................233
Waxing.............................................235
Repairing minor paint damage............................235
Cleaning the engine...................................235
Cleaning the windows and wiper blades.....................236
Cleaning the interior...................................236
Cleaning the instrument panel and instrument cluster lens.......237
Cleaning leather seats..................................238
Cleaning the alloy wheels...............................238
Vehiclestorage.......................................239
Table of Contents5
2013 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
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SYMBOL GLOSSARY
WARNING:You risk death or serious injury to yourself and
others if you do not follow the instruction highlighted by the
warning symbol.
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description
Safety alertSee Owner’s
ManualAnti-lock
braking
system
Avoid
smoking,
flames, or
sparksBatteryBattery acid
Brake fluid –
non
petroleum
baseBrake systemCabin air
filter
Check fuel
capChild Safety
Door Lock
and UnlockChild seat
lower anchor
C hild seat
tether anchorCruise
controlDo not open
when hot
Engine air
filterEngine
coolantEngine
coolant
temperature
Engine oilExplosive gasFan warning
Fasten safety
beltFront airbagFront fog
lamps
Fuel pump
resetFuse
compartmentHazard
warning
flasher
Introduction9
2013 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW
A. Battery
B. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
C. Engine oil filler cap
D. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
E. Air filter assembly
F. Engine oil dipstick
G. Power steering fluid reservoir
H. Brake fluid reservoir
I. Engine coolant reservoir
J. Power distribution box
ABCDEFGHIJ
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POWER STEERING FLUID CHECK
WARNING:For E-350 and E-450 vehicles with the Hydro-Boost
Brake System, do not press the brake pedal after the engine has
been turned off. Pressing the brake pedal after the engine has been
turned off will give a false power steering fluid level reading.
Note:Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid
level (if the fluid level is below the MIN line).
Note:Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the MAX line,
as this may result in leaks from the reservoir.
Check the power steering fluid at the appropriate intervals. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance information.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir. Refer to the technical
specifications table in theCapacities and Specificationschapter for the
proper fluid type.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuel filter that is integrated with
the fuel tank. Regular maintenance or replacement is not needed.
WASHER FLUID CHECK
WARNING:If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below
40°F (5°C), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure
to use washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could
result in impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or
accident.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level is low. Only use a washer fluid
that meets Ford specifications. See the technical specifications chart in
theCapacities and Specificationschapter.
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CHECKING THE WIPER BLADES
Run the tip of your fingers over the edge of the blade
to check for roughness.
Clean the wiper blades with washer fluid or water
applied with a soft sponge or cloth.
CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES
Replace wiper blades at least once per year for optimum performance.
To replace the wiper blades:
1. Fold back the wiper arm and
position the wiper blade at a right
angle to the wiper arm.
2. To remove the wiper blade, press
the retaining clip (A) to disengage
the wiper blade, then pull the blade
down toward the windshield to
remove it from the arm.
3. Install the new wiper blade on the arm and press it into place until a
click is heard.
Poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and
windshield. Refer toWindows and wiper bladesin theCleaningchapter.
To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.
AIR FILTER CHECK
WARNING:To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and or
personal burn injuries, do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it while the engine is running.
Note:Failure to use the correct air filter element may result in severe
engine damage. The customer warranty may be void for any damage to
the engine if the correct air filter element is not used.
A
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When changing the air filter element, use only the air filter element
listed. SeeMotorcraftPart Numbersin theCapacities and
Specificationschapter.
SeeScheduled Maintenance Informationfor the appropriate intervals
for changing the air filter element.
Note:Failure to use the correct air filter element may result in severe
engine damage. The customer warranty may be void for any damage to
the engine if the correct air filter element is not used.
Changing the Air Filter Element
1. Disconnect the fresh air inlet
tube from the radiator support.
2. Open the clamp that secures the
two halves of the air filter housing
together.
3. Carefully separate the two
halves of the air filter housing.
4. Remove the air filter element
from the housing.
5. Install a new air filter element. Be careful not to crimp the filter
element edges between the air filter housing. This could cause filter
damage and allow unfiltered air to enter the engine if not properly
seated.
6. Replace the two halves of the air filter housing and secure the clamp.
7. Connect the fresh air inlet tube to the radiator support.
222Maintenance
2013 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
WAXING
•Wash the vehicle first.
•Use a quality wax that does not contain abrasives.
•Do not allow paint sealant to come in contact with any non-body
(low-gloss black) colored trim, such as grained door handles, roof
racks, bumpers, side moldings, mirror housings or the windshield cowl
area. The paint sealant will gray or stain the parts over time.
REPAIRING MINOR PAINT DAMAGE
Your authorized dealer has touch-up paint to match your vehicle’s color.
Take your color code (printed on a sticker in the driver’s door jamb) to
your authorized dealer to make sure you get the correct color.
•Remove particles, such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect deposits, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout, before repairing paint chips.
•Always read the instructions before using the products.
CLEANING THE ENGINE
Engines are more efficient when they are clean because grease and dirt
buildup keep the engine warmer than normal.
When washing:
•Take care when using a power washer to clean the engine. The
high-pressure fluid could penetrate the sealed parts and cause
damage.
•Do not spray a hot engine with cold water to avoid cracking the
engine block or other engine components.
•Spray MotorcraftEngine Shampoo and Degreaser on all parts that
require cleaning and pressure rinse clean. In Canada, use Motorcraft
Engine Shampoo.
•Never wash or rinse the engine while it is hot or running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
•Never wash or rinse any ignition coil, spark plug wire or spark plug
well, or the area in and around these locations.
•Cover the battery, power distribution box, and air filter assembly to
prevent water damage when cleaning the engine.
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3Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary based on cooler size, if equipped
with an in-tank cooler, if equipped with an oil to air cooler and if equipped with a remote filter assembly. The
amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set by the indication on the dipstick’s normal operating
range.4Automatic transmissions that require MERCONLV should only use MERCONLV fluid. Refer toscheduled
maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.5Dana limited-slip axle (M60) requires 6 oz. (177 ml) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent meeting
Ford specification EST-M2C118-A.6If your vehicle’s rear axle is filled with a synthetic rear axle lubricant it is considered lubricated for life.
These lubricants do not need to be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the
axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle lubricant should be changed any time the rear axle has
been submerged in water.7Fill Dana rear axles to 1/4 inch to 9/16 inch (6 mm to 14 mm) below bottom of fill hole.8Optional fuel tank 55.0 gallons (208.0L).
284Capacities and Specifications
2013 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)