
2. Select positionPorN.
3. Turn the key to start the engine. The engine may continue cranking
for up to 15 seconds or until the vehicle starts.
Note:If the engine does not start on the first try, wait for a short period
of time and try again.
If you have difficulty starting the engine when the temperature is below
-13°F (-25°C), press the accelerator pedal slightly and try again.
If the engine does not start after three attempts, wait 10 seconds and
follow this flooded engine procedure:
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal and hold it there.
3. Select positionPorN.
4. Start the engine.
Cold Weather Starting (Flexible Fuel Vehicles Only)
The starting characteristics of all grades of E-85 ethanol make it
unsuitable for use when ambient temperatures fall below 0°F (-18°C).
Consult your fuel distributor for the availability of winter grade ethanol.
As the outside temperature approaches freezing, ethanol fuel distributors
should supply winter grade ethanol (same as with unleaded gasoline). If
summer grade ethanol is used in cold weather conditions, 0°F to 32°F
(-18°C to 0°C), you may experience increased cranking times, rough idle
or hesitation until the engine has warmed up.
You may experience a decrease in peak performance when the engine is
cold when operating on E-85 ethanol.
Do not crank the engine for more than 10 seconds at a time as starter
damage may occur. If the engine fails to start, turn the key to off and
wait 30 seconds before trying again.
Do not use starting fluid such as ether in the air intake system. Such
fluid could cause immediate explosive damage to the engine and possible
personal injury.
If you should experience cold weather starting problems on E-85
ethanol, and neither an alternative brand of E-85 ethanol nor an engine
block heater is available, the addition of unleaded gasoline to your tank
improves cold starting performance. Your vehicle is designed to operate
on E-85 ethanol alone, unleaded gasoline alone, or any mixture of the
two.
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If the Engine Fails to Start Using the Preceding Instructions
(Flexible Fuel Vehicles Only)
1. Press and hold down the accelerator 1/3 to 1/2 way to floor, then
crank the engine.
2. When the engine starts, release the key, then gradually release the
accelerator pedal as the engine speeds up. If the engine still fails to
start, repeat Step 1.
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
WARNING:If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
this checked immediately. Do not drive your vehicle if you smell
exhaust fumes. Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
Important Ventilating Information
If you stop your vehicle and leave the engine idling for long periods of
time, we recommend that you do one of the following:
•Open the windows at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters).
•Set your climate control to outside air.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:Failure to follow engine block heater instructions
could result in property damage or physical injury.
WARNING:Do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters. There is a risk of
electrical shock.
Note:The heater is most effective when outdoor temperatures are below
0°F (-18°C).
The heater acts as a starting aid by warming the engine coolant. This
allows the climate control system to respond quickly. The equipment
includes a heater element (installed in the engine block) and a wire
harness. You can connect the system to a grounded 120 volt A/C
electrical source.
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We recommend that you do the following for safe and correct operation:
•Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord that is product certified by
Underwriter’s Laboratory or Canadian Standards Association. This
extension cord must be able to be used outdoors, in cold
temperatures, and be clearly markedSuitable for Use with Outdoor
Appliances. Never use an indoor extension cord outdoors; it could
result in an electric shock or become a fire hazard.
•Use as short an extension cord as possible.
•Do not use multiple extension cords.
•Make sure that when in operation, the extension cord plug and the
heater cord plug connections are free and clear of water. This could
cause an electric shock or fire.
•Make sure your vehicle is parked in a clean area, clear of
combustibles.
•Make sure the heater, heater cord and extension cord are firmly
connected.
•Check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system has
been operating for approximately 30 minutes.
•Make sure the system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving
your vehicle. Make sure the protective cover seals the prongs of the
block heater cord plug when not in use.
•Make sure the heater system is checked for proper operation before
winter.
Using the Engine Block Heater
Make sure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. Clean
them with a dry cloth, if necessary.
The heater uses 0.4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours of energy per hour of use. The
system does not have a thermostat. It achieves maximum temperature
after approximately three hours of operation. Using the heater longer
than three hours does not improve system performance and
unnecessarily uses electricity.
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IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING:Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an
overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
WARNING:The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel
filler cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait
until it stops before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise,
fuel may spray out and injure you or others.
WARNING:If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in serious
personal injury.
WARNING:Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if
misused or mishandled.
WARNING:Fuel ethanol and gasoline may contain benzene,
which is a cancer-causing agent.
WARNING:When refueling always shut the engine off and never
allow sparks or open flames near the filler neck. Never smoke
while refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under certain
conditions. Care should be taken to avoid inhaling excess fumes.
WARNING:The flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle can
produce static electricity, which can cause a fire if fuel is pumped
into an ungrounded fuel container.
WARNING:Flexible fuel components and standard unleaded
gasoline fuel components are not interchangeable. If your vehicle
is not serviced in accordance with flexible fuel vehicles procedures,
damage may occur and your warranty may be invalidated.
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During the summer season, fuel ethanol may contain a maximum of 85%
denatured ethanol (Ed85) and 15% unleaded gasoline. The fuel ethanol
has a higher octane rating than unleaded regular or premium gasoline
and this allows the design of engines with greater efficiency and power.
Winter blends may contain up to 75% denatured ethanol (Ed75) and up
to 25% unleaded gasoline to enhance cold engine starts. Severely cold
weather may require additional measures for reliable starting. Refer to
the Starting chapter
Ethanol is more chemically active than gasoline. It corrodes some metals
and causes some plastic and rubber components to swell, break down or
become brittle and crack, especially when mixed with gasoline. Special
materials and procedures have been developed for flexible fuel vehicles
and the dispensers used by ethanol fuel providers.
FUEL QUALITY
Note:Use of any fuel other than those recommended may cause
powertrain damage, a loss of vehicle performance, and repairs may not
be covered under warranty.
Choosing the Right Fuel
Use only UNLEADED fuel or UNLEADED fuel blended with a maximum
of 15% ethanol. Do not use fuel ethanol (E85), diesel fuel, fuel-methanol,
leaded fuel or any other fuel because it could damage or impair the
emission control system. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law.
Diesel engine (if equipped)
Refer to the diesel supplement for information regarding diesel fuel
recommendations and requirements of your diesel-powered truck.
Choosing the Right Fuel With a Flex Fuel Vehicle (If Equipped)
Note:If your vehicle is FFV capable, it will have a yellow colored fuel cap.
Flex fuel vehicles are designed to use only ethanol fuel blends which
contains 51 to 83% ethanol and UNLEADED FUEL Regular unleaded
gasoline or any mixture of the two fuels.
It is best not to alternate repeatedly between gasoline and E85. If you do
switch fuels, it is recommended that you add as much fuel as possible—at
least half a tank. Do not add less than five gallons (18.9 liters) when
refueling. You should drive the vehicle immediately after refueling for at least
5 miles (8 kilometers) to allow the vehicle to adapt to the change in ethanol
concentration. If you exclusively use E85 fuel, it is recommended to fill the
fuel tank with regular unleaded gasoline at each scheduled oil change.
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Octane Recommendations
Regular unleaded gasoline with a
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87
is recommended. Some stations
offer fuels posted as Regular with
an octane rating below 87,
particularly in high altitude areas. Do not use fuels with a posted octane
rating below 87.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your authorized dealer to
prevent any engine damage.
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
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.
•Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8L) of fuel is enough to restart the
engine. If the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than
1 gallon (3.8L) may be required.
•
The service engine soon indicator may come on. For more information on
the service engine soon indicator, refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter.
SeeSettingsin theInstrument Clusterchapter for information on
calculating DTE (Distance to empty).
Refilling With a Portable Fuel Container
WARNING:Do not insert the nozzle of portable fuel containers
or aftermarket funnels the fuel system. This could damage the
fuel system and its seal, and may cause fuel to run onto the ground
instead of filling the tank, which could result in serious personal injury.
WARNING:Do not try to pry open or push open the fuel system
with foreign objects. This could damage the fuel system and its
seal and cause injury to you or others.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
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Use the following directions when filling from a portable fuel container:
1. Remove the fuel cap by rotating it counter clockwise.
2. Slowly insert the portable fuel container into the fuel filler opening.
3. Fill the vehicle with fuel from the portable fuel container.
4. When done, remove the portable fuel container nozzle and reinstall
fuel cap. Insert fuel cap into fuel filler opening and turn clockwise until a
click is heard.
REFUELING
WARNING:Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuel fire can cause
severe injuries. To help avoid injuries to you and others:
•Read and follow all the instructions on the pump island;
•Turn off your engine when you are refueling;
•Do not smoke if you are near fuel or refueling your vehicle;
•Keep sparks, flames and smoking materials away from fuel;
•Stay outside your vehicle and do not leave the fuel pump unattended
when refueling your vehicle - this is against the law in some places;
•Keep children away from the fuel pump; never let children pump
fuel;
•Do not use personal electronic devices while refueling.
Use the following guidelines to avoid electrostatic charge build-up when
filling an ungrounded fuel container:
•Place approved fuel container on the ground.
•DO NOT fill a fuel container while it is in the vehicle (including the
cargo area).
•Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact with the fuel container while
filling.
•DO NOT use a device that would hold the fuel pump handle in the fill
position.
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Fuel Filler Cap
WARNING:The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel
filler cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait
until it stops before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise,
fuel may spray out and injure you or others.
WARNING:If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive
pressure or vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system
or cause the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in
possible personal injury.
Note:If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may be
void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the correct
genuine Ford, Motorcraft® or other certified fuel filler cap is not used.
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a 1/4th turn on and
off feature. When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise until it spins off.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/4 of a turn clockwise until it clicks at
least once.
If the Check Fuel Cap light or a Check Fuel Cap message appears in the
instrument cluster and stays on after you start the engine, the fuel filler
cap may not be properly installed.
If the fuel cap light remains on, at the next opportunity, safely pull off of
the road, remove the fuel filler cap, align the cap properly and reinstall
it. The check fuel cap light or Check fuel cap message may not reset
immediately; it may take several driving cycles for the indicators to turn
off. A driving cycle consists of an engine start-up (after four or more
hours with the engine off) followed by normal city and highway driving.
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