2013 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS overheating

Transmission Fluid Temperature Gauge
Normal area:The transmission fluid is within the normal operating
temperature (between H and C).
Yellow area:The transmission fluid is higher than normal operating
temperature. This can be caused by special operation conditions (i.e.
snowplowing, towing or off-road use). Operating the transmission for
extended periods of time with the gauge in the yellow area may cause
internal transmission damage. Altering the severity of the driving
conditions is recommended to lower the transmission temperature into
the normal range.
Red area:The transmission fluid is overheating. Stop the vehicle to
allow the temperature to return to normal range.
If the gauge is operating in the yellow or red area, stop the vehicle and
verify the airflow is not restricted such as snow or debris blocking airflow
through the grill. If the gauge continues to show high temperatures, see
your authorized dealer.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
At normal operating temperature, the needle will remain in the center
section. If the needle enters the red section, the engine is overheating.
Stop the engine, switch the ignition off and determine the cause once
the engine has cooled down. SeeEngine Coolant Check.
Note:Do not restart the engine until the cause of overheating has been
resolved.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
Fuel Gauge
Switch the ignition on. The fuel gauge will indicate approximately how
much fuel is left in the fuel tank. The fuel gauge may vary slightly when
the vehicle is moving or on a gradient. The arrow adjacent to the fuel
pump symbol indicates on which side of your vehicle the fuel filler door
is located.
Instrument Cluster17
2013 Motorhome(mot)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Engine Cooling
System MessagesAction / Description
REDUCED ENGINE
POWERDisplayed when the engine is overheating.
Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible,
turn off the engine. If the warning stays on
followed by an indicator chime or continues to
come on, contact your authorized dealer as
soon as possible. Never remove the coolant
reservoir cap while the engine is running or
hot.
STOP ENGINE
SAFELYDisplayed when the engine is overheating.
Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible,
turn off the engine. If the warning stays on
followed by an indicator chime or continues to
come on, contact your authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
CHECK ENGINE
TEMPERATUREDisplayed when the engine coolant is
overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely
possible, turn off the engine and let it cool.
Check the coolant and coolant level. If the
warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Brake, Oil, Fuel and
Transmission
MessagesAction / Description
FUEL LEVEL LOWDisplayed as an early reminder of a low fuel
condition.
BRAKE FLUID
LEVEL LOWIndicates the brake fluid level is low and the
brake system should be inspected immediately.
Information Displays25
2013 Motorhome(mot)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Brake, Oil, Fuel and
Transmission
MessagesAction / Description
LOW OIL
PRESSUREDisplayed when the engine oil pressure is low.
If this warning message is displayed, check the
level of the engine oil. If the oil level is OK
and this warning persists, shut down the
engine immediately and contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK TRANS
TEMPERATUREDisplayed when the transmission fluid is
overheating. This warning may appear when
towing heavy loads or when driving in a low
gear at a high speed for an extended period of
time. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely
possible, turn off the engine and let the
transmission cool.
CHECK FUEL CAPDisplayed when the fuel cap is loose, not
seated properly or off. Stop the vehicle when
convenient, turn off the engine and check that
the fuel cap is properly inserted. Rotate the
cap until aclickis heard. The warning
message will be removed after the proper
drive cycle is completed. SeeOn Board
Diagnostics OBDII section for drive cycle
explaination. If the warning message remains
on or continues to comes back on, see your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
26Information Displays
2013 Motorhome(mot)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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.
•DO NOT MIX different 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.
•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 with
MotorcraftPremium Cooling System Flush, and refilled with a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible.
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.
Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure will escape as you unscrew the
cap.
Add a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and engine coolant meeting the
Ford specification. SeeCapacities and Specificationsfor more
information.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and distilled
water to bring the coolant level to the proper level.
88Maintenance
2013 Motorhome(mot)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by
an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
capacities and specificationschapter.
Note:Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint (250 ml) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by an authorized
dealer.
Note:An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift
and/or engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
Automatic transmission fluid filter
The TorqShiftautomatic transmission is equipped with a serviceable
transmission fluid filter located inside the transmission bottom pan.
Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor service intervals for
automatic transmission fluid and transmission filter.
For transmission filter maintenance, see your authorized dealer.
Maintenance93
2013 Motorhome(mot)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a normal operating characteristic
and, by itself, does not necessarily indicate a concern or that the fluid
needs to be changed. However, discolored fluids that also show signs of
overheating and/or foreign material contamination should be inspected
immediately by a qualified expert such as the factory-trained technicians
at your dealership. Your vehicle’s oils and fluids should be changed at the
specified intervals or in conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a viable
way to change fluid for many vehicle sub-systems during scheduled
maintenance. It is critical that systems are flushed only with new fluid
that is the same as that required to fill and operate the system, or using
a Ford-approved flushing chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
every month or at six months intervals.
Check Every Month
Engine oil level.
Function of all interior and exterior lights.
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure.
Windshield washer fluid level.
Check Every Six Months
Battery connections. Clean if necessary.
Body and door drain holes for obstructions. Clean if necessary.
Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
Door weatherstrips for wear. Lubricate if necessary.
Hinges, latches and outside locks for proper operation. Lubricate if
necessary.
Parking brake for proper operation.
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function.
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation.
Washer spray and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as
necessary.
Scheduled Maintenance139
2013 Motorhome(mot)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)