2014 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS warning light

Illumination of the service engine soonindicator, charging system warning light orthe temperature warning light, fluid leaks,strange odors, smoke or loss of enginepower could indicate that the emissioncontrol system is not working properly.
An improperly operating or damagedexhaust system may allow exhaust toenter the vehicle. Have a damaged orimproperly operating exhaust systeminspected and repaired immediately.
Do not make any unauthorized changes toyour vehicle or engine. By law, vehicleowners and anyone who manufactures,repairs, services, sells, leases, tradesvehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehiclesare not permitted to intentionally removean emission control device or prevent itfrom working. Information about yourvehicle’s emission system is on the VehicleEmission Control Information Decallocated on or near the engine. This decalalso lists engine displacement
Please consult your warranty informationfor complete details.
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle is equipped with an on-boarddiagnostics system (OBD-II) that monitorsthe engine’s emission control system. Thissystem protects the environment byensuring that your vehicle continues tomeet government emission standards. TheOBD-II system also assists your authorizeddealer in properly servicing your vehicle.
When the service engine soonindicator illuminates, the OBD-IIsystem has detected amalfunction. Temporary malfunctions maycause the service engine soon indicator toilluminate.
Examples of temporary malfunctions are:
•the vehicle has run out of fuel—theengine may misfire or run poorly
•poor fuel quality or water in thefuel—the engine may misfire or runpoorly
•the fuel fill inlet may not have beenproperly closed See Refueling (page24).
•driving through deep water—theelectrical system may be wet.
You can correct these temporarymalfunctions by filling the fuel tank withgood quality fuel, properly closing the fuelfill inlet or letting the electrical system dryout. After three driving cycles without theseor any other temporary malfunctionspresent, the service engine soon indicatorshould stay off the next time you start theengine. A driving cycle consists of a coldengine startup followed by mixedcity/highway driving. No additional vehicleservice is required.
If the service engine soon indicator remainson, have your vehicle serviced at the firstavailable opportunity. Although somemalfunctions detected by the OBD-II maynot have symptoms that are apparent,continued driving with the service enginesoon indicator on can result in increasedemissions, lower fuel economy, reducedengine and transmission smoothness, andlead to more costly repairs.
Readiness forInspection/Maintenance (I/M)Testing
Some state/provincial and localgovernments may haveInspection/Maintenance (I/M) programsto inspect the emission control equipmenton your vehicle. Failure to pass thisinspection could prevent you from gettinga vehicle registration.
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNINGS
Always set the parking brake fullyand make sure the gearshift islatched in P (Park). Turn the ignitionto the off position and remove the keywhenever you leave your vehicle.
Do not apply the brake pedal andaccelerator pedal simultaneously.Applying both pedals simultaneouslyfor more than three seconds will limitengine rpm, which may result in difficultymaintaining speed in traffic and could leadto serious injury.
Understanding the Positions ofYour Automatic Transmission
This vehicle is equipped with an adaptivetransmission shift strategy. Adaptivetransmission shift strategy offers theoptimal transmission operation and shiftquality. When the vehicle’s battery hasbeen disconnected for any type of serviceor repair, the transmission will need torelearn the normal shift strategyparameters, much like having to reset yourradio stations when your vehicle batteryhas been disconnected. The adaptivetransmission shift strategy allows thetransmission to relearn these operatingparameters.
This learning process could take severaltransmission upshifts and downshifts;during this learning process, slightly firmershifts may occur. After this learningprocess, normal shift feel and shiftscheduling will resume.
Putting your vehicle in or out of gear:
1.Fully press down the brake pedal.
2.Move the gearshift lever into thedesired gear.
3.Come to a complete stop.
4.Move the gearshift lever and securelylatch it in P (Park)
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission andprevents the rear wheels from turning.Come to a complete stop before puttingyour vehicle into and out of P (Park)
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), thevehicle will move backward. Always cometo a complete stop before shifting into andout of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), thevehicle can be started and is free to roll.Hold the brake pedal down while in thisposition.
D (Overdrive) with tow/haul off
D (Overdrive) with tow/haul off is thenormal driving position for the best fueleconomy. The overdrive function allowsautomatic upshifts and downshifts throughgears one through five.
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D (Overdrive) with tow/haul on
The tow/haul feature improvestransmission operation when towing atrailer or a heavy load. All transmissiongear ranges are available when usingtow/haul.
To activate tow/haul, press thebutton on the end of thegearshift lever. The TOW HAULindicator light will illuminate in theinstrument cluster.
Tow/haul delays upshifts to reducefrequency of transmission shifting.Tow/haul also provides engine braking inall forward gears when the transmission isin the D (Overdrive) position; this enginebraking will slow the vehicle and assist thedriver in controlling the vehicle whendescending a grade. Depending on drivingconditions and load conditions, thetransmission may downshift, slow thevehicle and control the vehicle speed whendescending a hill, without the acceleratorpedal being pressed. The amount ofdownshift braking provided will vary basedupon the amount the brake pedal ispressed.
Grade braking downshifts occurautomatically when all three of thefollowing occur:
•Positive vehicle acceleration (naturalacceleration from driving on a decline)is sensed.
•Nearly all pressure is released from theaccelerator pedal.
•A minimum amount of time has expiredsince the last grade braking downshift.
Grade braking downshift mode isimmediately exited if the Tow/Haul modeis deactivated or if the accelerator pedalis depressed beyond a minimum threshold.
To deactivate the tow/haul feature andreturn to normal driving mode, press thebutton on the end of the gearshift lever.The TOW HAUL light will no longer beilluminated.
When you shut-off and restart the engine,the transmission will automatically returnto normal D (Overdrive) mode (tow/hauloff).
WARNING
Do not use the tow/haul featurewhen driving in icy or slipperyconditions as the increased enginebraking can cause the rear wheels to slideand the vehicle to swing around with thepossible loss of vehicle control.
3 (Third)
Transmission starts and operates in thirdgear only
Used for improved traction on slipperyroads. Selecting 3 (Third) provides enginebraking.
2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slipperyroads or to provide additional enginebraking on downgrades.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:Occasional brake noise is normal. Ifa metal-to-metal, continuous grinding orcontinuous squeal sound is present, thebrake linings may be worn-out and shouldbe inspected by an authorized dealer. If thevehicle has continuous vibration or shudderin the steering wheel while braking, thevehicle should be inspected by anauthorized dealer.
Note:Brake dust may accumulate on thewheels, even under normal drivingconditions. Some dust is inevitable as thebrakes wear and does not contribute tobrake noise. See Cleaning the AlloyWheels (page 88).
See the Instrument Clusterchapter for information on thebrake system warning light.
Wet brakes result in reduced brakingefficiency. Gently press the brake pedal afew times when driving from a car wash orstanding water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedalbecomes stuck or entrapped, apply steadyand firm pressure to the brake pedal toslow the vehicle and reduce engine power.If you experience this condition, apply thebrakes and bring your vehicle to a safestop. Turn the engine off, shift to positionP and apply the parking brake, and theninspect the accelerator pedal for anyinterferences. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehicle towedto the nearest authorized dealer.
Hydraulic brake booster system(Hydroboost or Hydromax)
The Hydroboost and Hydromax systemsreceive fluid pressure from the powersteering pump to provide power assistduring braking.
The Hydromax booster receives backuppressure from the reserve system electricpump whenever the fluid in the powersteering system is not flowing. When theengine is off, the pump will turn on if thebrake pedal is applied, or if the ignition isturned to the on position.
The sound of the pump operating may beheard by the driver, but this is a normalcharacteristic of the system.
The reserve system provides reducedbraking power, so the vehicle should beoperated under these conditions withcaution, and only to seek service repair andremove the vehicle from the roadway.
Note:For Hydromax-equipped vehiclesoperating under normal conditions, the noiseof the fluid flowing through the booster maybe heard whenever the brake is applied. Thiscondition is normal. Vehicle service is notrequired.
If braking performance or pedal responsebecomes very poor, even when the pedalis strongly pressed, it may indicate thepresence of air in the hydraulic system orleakage of fluid. Stop the vehicle safely assoon as possible and seek serviceimmediately.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
Note:When the system is operating, thebrake pedal will pulse and may travelfurther. Maintain pressure on the brakepedal. You may also hear a noise from thesystem. This is normal.
The anti-lock braking system will noteliminate the risks when:
•You drive too closely to the vehicle infront of you.
•Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
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TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR orthe GAWR specified on thecertification label.
Towing trailers beyond themaximum recommendedgross trailer weight exceeds thelimit of the vehicle and couldresult in engine damage,transmission damage, structuraldamage, loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover and personalinjury.
Your vehicle may have electricalitems, such as fuses or relays,related to towing. See the Fuseschapter.
Your vehicle's load capacitydesignation is by weight, not byvolume, so you cannot necessarilyuse all available space whenloading a vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an extraload on your vehicle's engine,transmission, axle, brakes, tiresand suspension. Inspect thesecomponents periodically during,and after, any towing operation.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailermovement affects your vehiclewhen driving:
•Load the heaviest items closestto the trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest itemscentered between the left andright side trailer tires.
•Load the heaviest items abovethe trailer axles or just slightlyforward toward the trailertongue. Do not allow the finaltrailer tongue weight to goabove or below 10-15% of theloaded trailer weight.
•Select a tow bar with thecorrect rise or drop. When boththe loaded vehicle and trailerare connected, the trailer frameshould be level, or slightlyangled down toward yourvehicle, when viewed from theside.
When driving with a trailer orpayload, a slight takeoff vibrationor shudder may be present due tothe increased payload weight.Additional information regardingproper trailer loading and settingyour vehicle up for towing islocated in another chapter of thismanual. See Load Limit (page36). You can also find theinformation in the RV & TrailerTowing Guide, available at anauthorized dealer.
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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive yourvehicle at least 1000 mi (1,600 km).
•Consult your local motor vehicle lawsfor towing a trailer.
•See the instructions included withtowing accessories for the properinstallation and adjustmentspecifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently ifyou tow a trailer. See your scheduledmaintenance information.
•If you use a rental trailer, follow theinstructions the rental agency givesyou.
Another chapter of this manual containsload specification terms found on the tirelabel and Safety Compliance label andinstructions on calculating your vehicle'sload. See Load Limit (page 36).
Remember to account for the trailertongue weight as part of your vehicle loadwhen calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps ontothe bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of thetotal trailer weight is on the tongue.
Weight-Distributing Hitches
WARNING
Do not adjust a weight-distributinghitch to any position where the rearbumper of the vehicle is higher thanit was before attaching the trailer. Doingso will defeat the function of theweight-distributing hitch, which may causeunpredictable handling, and could resultin serious personal injury.
When hooking-up a trailer using aweight-distributing hitch, always use thefollowing procedure:
1.Park the loaded vehicle, without thetrailer, on a level surface.
2.Measure the height to the top of yourvehicle’s front wheel opening on thefender. This is H1.
3.Securely attach the loaded trailer toyour vehicle without theweight-distributing bars connected.
4.Measure the height to the top of yourvehicle’s front wheel opening on thefender a second time. This is H2.
5.Install and adjust the tension in theweight-distributing bars so that theheight of your vehicle’s front wheelopening on the fender is approximatelyhalfway between H1 and H2.
6.Check that the trailer is level or slightlynose down toward your vehicle. If not,adjust the ball height accordingly andrepeat Steps 1-6.
7.Lock the bar tension adjuster in place.
8.Check that the trailer tongue securelyattaches and locks onto the hitch.
9.Install safety chains, lighting and trailerbrake controls as required by law or thetrailer manufacturer.
Safety Chains
Note:Never attach safety chains to thebumper.
Always connect the safety chains to thehook retainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross themunder the trailer tongue and allow enoughslack for turning tight corners. Do not allowthe chains to drag on the ground.
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Trailer Brakes
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulicbrake system directly to yourvehicle's brake system. Your vehiclemay not have enough braking power andyour chances of having a collision greatlyincrease.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if youinstall them properly and adjust them tothe manufacturer's specifications. Thetrailer brakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
Separate functioning brake systemsare required for safe control of towedvehicles and trailers weighing morethan 1500 pounds (680 kilograms)when loaded.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING
Never connect any trailer lamp wiringto the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; thismay damage the electrical systemresulting in fire. Contact your authorizeddealer as soon as possible for assistancein proper trailer tow wiring installation.Additional electrical equipment may berequired.
Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, direction indicators and hazard lightsare working.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi(800 km).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thegearshift in park (P) to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help airconditioning performance.
•Switch off the speed control withheavy loads or in hilly terrain. Thespeed control may turn offautomatically when you are towing onlong, steep grades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not apply thebrakes continuously, as they mayoverheat and become less effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with aGrade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, usethis feature when towing. This providesengine braking and helps eliminateexcessive transmission shifting foroptimum fuel economy andtransmission cooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping witha trailer attached. Anticipate stops andbrake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, ifyou must park on a grade:
1.Turn the steering wheel to point yourvehicle tires away from traffic flow.
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4.After three seconds, the Service: Oilreset in prog. message will bedisplayed.
5.After 25 seconds, the Service: Oil resetcomplete message will be displayed.
6.Release the accelerator and brakepedals, then rotate the key to the offposition.
Note:The Service: Oil reset completemessage will no longer be displayed.
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
WARNINGS
Do not add engine coolant when theengine is hot. Steam and scaldingliquids released from a hot coolingsystem can burn you badly. Also, spillingcoolant on hot engine parts can burn you.
Do not put engine coolant in thewindshield washer fluid container. Ifsprayed on the windshield, enginecoolant could make it difficult to seethrough the windshield.
To reduce the risk of personal injury,make sure the engine is cool beforeunscrewing the coolant pressurerelief cap. The cooling system is underpressure; steam and hot liquid can comeout forcefully when you loosen the capslightly.
Do not add coolant further than theMAX mark.
When the engine is cold, check theconcentration and level of the enginecoolant at the intervals listed in thescheduled maintenance information. SeeScheduled Maintenance (page 121).
Note:Make sure that the level is betweenthe MIN and MAX marks on the coolantreservoir.
Note:Coolant expands when it is hot. Thelevel may extend beyond the MAX mark
Note:If the level is at the MIN mark, belowthe MIN mark, or empty, add coolantimmediately. See Adding Engine Coolantin this chapter.
The coolant concentration should bemaintained within 48% to 50%, whichequates to a freeze point between -30°F(-34°C) and -34°F (-37°C).
Note:For best results, coolantconcentration should be tested with arefractometer such as Robinair Coolant andBattery Refractometer 75240. We do notrecommend the use of hydrometers orcoolant test strips for measuring coolantconcentrations.
Note:Automotive fluids are notinterchangeable. Do not use engine coolant,antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outsideof its specified function and vehicle location.
Adding Engine Coolant
Note:Do not use stop leak pellets, coolingsystem sealants, or additives as they cancause damage to the engine cooling orheating systems. Your vehicle’s warrantydoes not cover this damage.
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