INFORMATION MESSAGES
Note:Depending on the vehicle options equipped with your vehicle, not
all of the messages display or are available. Certain messages may be
abbreviated or shortened depending upon which cluster type you have.
Press the OK button to acknowledge and remove some messages from
the information display. Other messages are removed automatically after
a short time. Certain messages need to be confirmed before you can
access the menus.
Battery and
Charging System
MessagesAction / Description
CHECK CHARGING
SYSTEMDisplayed when the charging system needs
servicing. If the warning stays on or continues
to come on, contact your authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
Brake System
MessagesAction / Description
BRAKE FLUID
LEVEL LOWDisplayed when the brake fluid level is low
and the brake system should be inspected
immediately. SeeBrake fluid checkin the
Maintenancechapter.
CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEMDisplayed when the brake system needs
servicing. If the warning stays on or continues
to come on, contact your authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
PARK BRAKE
ENGAGEDDisplayed when the parking brake is set and
the vehicle is in motion.
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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.
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. The 9 gallon (34.0L) DEF tank is located on the right
side of the vehicle behind the cab (Regular Cab and Super Cab) or under
the cab (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.
Motorcraft® brand DEF bottles are recommended. Other aftermarket
bottles can be used but should have a seal on the spout and an internal
vent tube to achieve best fill performance and prevent overfilling.
You can purchase DEF at your authorized dealer, most highway truck stops
or you can contact roadside assistance for help in finding a retailer that
sells DEF. See theCustomer Assistancechapter for more information.
Also, a government website locator is available for diesel exhaust fluid
supplies. The following web address can be used to find the nearest
location to purchase DEF: http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/locator/def.
Use Motorcraft® DEF or equivalent meeting Ford
specification WSS-M2C130-A and/or ISO 22241. Use
only DEF certified by the American Petroleum
Institute. Look for this certification trademark. Repairs
resulting from the use of non-certified DEF products
may not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty.
Maintaining the purity of DEF is important to avoid malfunctions in the
SCR system.
If DEF is removed from the tank for any reason (such as repair work),
the same DEF must not be used to refill the tank as its purity is no
longer guaranteed.
To fill the DEF tank, see your authorized dealer or do the following
(before filling the DEF tank in cold climates, seeFilling the DEF tank
in cold climateslater in this section):
DEF Bottle Fill with Spout
The following procedure applies to Motorcraft® DEF or similar DEF
bottles. For other brands or bottle types, see the instructions on the
bottle label.
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The differential can be locked or unlocked when the vehicle is moving at
a constant speed of under 25 mph (40 km/h) and while the wheels are
not slipping. The differential must not be locked when the vehicle is
traveling down steep grades and traction is minimal.
The differential lock and differential lock light automatically disengage at
speeds above 25 mph (40 km/h). The differential lock remains off until
either the vehicle is restarted or the differential lock switch is turned off
then back on.
Turn the engine off and raise all drive wheels of the locker differential
axle in order to prevent the vehicle from moving when servicing the
wheels, tires or brakes. Axles equipped with a NoSPIN Detroit Locker
differential deliver power to both wheels even when only one wheel is on
the ground.
WARNING:Failure to raise all drive wheels with this type of
differential could cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly,
resulting in property damage, personal injury or death.
Care should be taken to avoid sudden accelerations when both drive
wheels are on a slippery surface.
WARNING:Sudden accelerations on slippery surfaces could
cause the wheels to spin, the vehicle to turn sideways on a
crowned road surface or in a turn, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle
control and personal injury.
Fluid Temperature
Axle operating temperatures normally do not exceed 100°F (38°C).
If the operating temperature exceeds 230°F (110°C), the rate of axle
lubrication oxidation increases and shortens the life of the lubricant and
seals, requiring axle lubrication changes to become more frequent to
preserve the axle. Extreme Pressure (EP) lubricants should not be run
consistently above 230°F (110°C).
Axle Conversions
WARNING:When operating a loaded vehicle, the driver must
keep all adjustable axles on the ground at all times, supporting
their share of the vehicle’s load. Failure to do so can overload other
axles, tires, wheels, springs, steering components, brakes and frames,
resulting in early component failure, loss of vehicle control, possible
property damage and personal injury.
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Hot Weather
•Use a permanent-type engine coolant to protect the engine against
damage from overheating.
•Fill the fuel tank at the end of daily operation to prevent
condensation in the fuel system.
•Keep external surfaces of the engine, radiator, charge air cooler, A/C
condenser and accessories clean to avoid dirt build-up.
•Above normal coolant temperatures could be experienced while
driving in a transmission gear ratio which lugs the engine. To correct
this problem, engine speed should be increased by downshifting into
the next lower gear.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to decrease the driver’s effort in steering the vehicle.
To help prevent damage to the power steering pump:
•Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme
left for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with the power steering pump fluid level
below the ADD mark on the MAX. COLD side of the power steering
reservoir dipstick.
•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive,
check for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service
by your authorized dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power
steering pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid
level before seeking service by your authorized dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the FULL mark
on the MAX. HOT side of the power steering reservoir dipstick, as
this may result in leaks from the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
•uneven vehicle loading
•high crown in center of road
•high crosswinds
•wheels out of alignment
•loose or worn suspension components.
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Some parts such as air brake chamber diaphragm, air compressor and air
cleaner should be inspected periodically and replaced if considered
unserviceable.
Air dryer:Climactic conditions affect performance of desiccant or
after-cooler type air dryers. Maintenance schedules must be established
for each specific operation.
The use of an air dryer on a vehicle does not eliminate the need to
periodically drain the air reservoirs.
Desiccant air dryer:Inspect for moisture in the air system by opening
reservoirs, draincocks or valves and checking for presence of water. The
presence of small amounts of water due to condensation is normal and
should not be considered as an indication that the dryer is not
functioning properly.
The desiccant cartridge should be replaced or rebuilt when it has been
determined that the desiccant is contaminated and does not have
adequate water absorption capacity. The desiccant change interval may
vary. It is generally recommended that the desiccant be replaced every
12 months (yearly). If experience has shown that extended or shortened
life has resulted for a particular installation, then the yearly interval can
be increased or decreased accordingly.
Draining the air brake reservoir:
Completely drain all the air brake
reservoirs daily by opening the
draincock at the ends of the tanks
(Where accessible. Pull-chains are
used when the drains are undercab
or otherwise inaccessible). Close the
draincock after draining. Air tanks
equipped with automatic moisture
ejector valves may also be drained
manually as required to maintain a
dry air system. Contact your dealer if you are unsure of the air reservoir
locations or the draining procedure.
WARNING:Failure to drain air brake reservoirs can result in a
reduction or loss of braking ability due to fluid accumulation in
the reservoir and/or possible freeze-up during cold weather.
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Note: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 concentrations.
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 or cooling system sealants or additives
as they can cause damage to the engine cooling and heating systems. This
damage would not be covered under your vehicle’s warranty.
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.
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.
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TRANSMISSION FLUID CHECK
Allison Automatic Transmissions
See yourAllison Automatic Transmission Operator’s Manualfor
scheduled transmission fluid checks and change intervals. Your
transmission does not consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be
checked if the transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the
transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid
leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 20 miles [30 kilometers]). Verify that the
transmission fluid temperature gauge, located on the instrument cluster,
is within the normal range.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 kilometers) or until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the engine running, parking brake engaged and your foot on the
brake pedal, move the gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges.
Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in positionNorPand leave the engine
running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry, lint-free rag.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be
in the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
If you must add transmission fluid, see yourAllison Automatic
Transmission Operator’s Manualfor the correct fluid type.Use of a
non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause internal
transmission component damage.
Fluid levels above the safe range may result in transmission failure. An
overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift or engagement
concerns or possible damage.
TorqShift® Automatic Transmission
See theScheduled Maintenancechapter for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
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High Fluid Level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift or engagement
concerns and possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting Automatic Transmission Fluid Levels
Note:Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick handle and also in the
Capacities and Specificationschapter.
If necessary, add fluid in
1 2pint (250 ml) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
Note:An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift or
engagement concerns 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.
Manual Transmissions
Note:Use of a non-approved transmission fluid may cause internal
transmission component damage.
See theScheduled Maintenancechapter for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes.
Your manual transmission may be filled with an optional synthetic fluid
which allows the use of extended service intervals. A tag on the filler
plug identifies the use of the synthetic fluid.
Only use fluid that meets manufacturer specifications. SeeTechnical
specificationsin theCapacities and Specificationschapter.
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