2016 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY cooling

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
Hill descent control cannot controldescent in all surface conditions andcircumstances, such as ice orextremely steep grades. Hill descentcontrol is a driver assist system and cannotsubstitute for good judgment by the driver.Failure to do so may result in loss of vehiclecontrol, crash or serious injury.
Hill descent control does not providehill hold at zero miles per hour (0kilometers per hour). When stopped,the parking brake must be applied or thevehicle must be placed in P (Park) or itmay roll away.
Hill descent control allows the driver to setand maintain vehicle speed whiledescending steep grades in various surfaceconditions.
Hill descent control can maintain vehiclespeeds on downhill grades between 2 mph(3 km/h) and 12 mph (20 km/h). Above 20mph (32 km/h), the system remainsarmed, but descent speed cannot be setor maintained.
Hill descent control requires a coolingdown interval after a period of sustaineduse. The amount of time that the featurecan remain active before cooling varieswith conditions. The system will provide awarning in the message center and a chimewill sound when the system is about todisengage for cooling. At this time,manually apply the brakes as needed tomaintain descent speed.
USING HILL DESCENT
CONTROL
Press and release the hilldescent button located on theinstrument panel. A light in thecluster will illuminate and a chime willsound when this feature is activated.
To increase descent speed, press theaccelerator pedal until the desired speedis reached. To decrease descent speed,press the brake pedal until the desiredspeed is reached.
Whether accelerating or decelerating, oncethe desired descent speed is reached,remove your feet from the pedals and thechosen vehicle speed will be maintained.
Note:Noise from the ABS pump motor maybe observed during hill descent controloperation. This is a normal characteristic ofthe ABS and should be no reason forconcern.
Hill descent modes
•At speeds below 20 mph (32 km/h):When the Hill Descent Control switchis pressed and Hill Descent Control isactive, the Hill Descent Control telltalewill flash.
•At speeds below 20 mph (32 km/h):When the Hill Descent Control switchis pressed and conditions are notcorrect for hill descent activation, theHill Descent Control system will beenabled, the Hill Descent Controltelltale will be solid and a message willdisplay in the information display.
•At speeds above 20 mph (32 km/h):When the Hill Descent Control switchis pressed, the Hill Descent Controlsystem will be enabled, the telltale inthe cluster will not be illuminated anda message will be displayed in theinformation display.
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Terrain Response (If Equipped)E163957

•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 miles (80kilometers).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thegearshift in position P to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help A/Cperformance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speedcontrol may turn off automaticallywhen you are towing on long, steepgrades.
•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.
•If your vehicle is equipped withAdvanceTrac with RSC, this systemmay turn on during typical corneringmaneuvers with a heavily loaded trailer.This is normal. Turning the corner at aslower speed while towing may reducethis tendency.
•If you are towing a trailer frequently inhot weather, hilly conditions, at thegross combined weight rating (or anycombination of these factors), considerrefilling your rear axle with syntheticgear lubricant (if the axle is not alreadyfilled with it). See Capacities andSpecifications (page 303).
•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.
2. Set your vehicle parking brake.
3. Place the automatic transmission inposition P.
4. Place wheel chocks in front and backof the trailer wheels. (Chocks notincluded with vehicle.)
Your vehicle may be equipped with atemporary or conventional spare tire. A"temporary" spare tire is different in size(diameter or width), tread-type(All-Season or All Terrain) or is from adifferent manufacturer than the road tireson your vehicle. Consult information on thetire label or Safety Compliance label forlimitations when using.
Launching or Retrieving a Boat orPersonal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbefore backing the trailer into the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailerafter you remove the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boatlaunching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level torise above the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higherthan 6 inches (15 centimeters) abovethe bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water toenter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to thecomponents.
•Affecting driveability, emissions, andreliability.
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Towing

Only use oils certified for gasoline enginesby the American Petroleum Institute (API).An oil with this trademark symbolconforms to the current engine andemission system protection standards andfuel economy requirements of theInternational Lubricants SpecificationAdvisory Council (ILSAC), comprised ofU.S. and Japanese automobilemanufacturers.
1. Check the engine oil level.
2. If the engine oil level is not within thenormal range, add engine oil thatmeets Ford specifications. SeeCapacities and Specifications for moreinformation.
3. Remove the engine oil filler cap anduse a funnel to pour the engine oil intothe opening.
4.Recheck the engine oil level. Make surethe oil level is not above the normaloperating range on the engine oil leveldipstick.
5. Install the engine oil level dipstick andensure it is fully seated.
6. Fully install the engine oil filler cap byturning the filler cap clockwise untilthree clicks are heard or until the capis fully seated.
OIL CHANGE INDICATOR
RESET
Resetting the Oil Life MonitoringSystem
Only reset the oil life monitoring systemafter changing the engine oil and oil filter.
1.Switch the ignition on. Do not start theengine. For vehicles with push-buttonstart, press and hold the start buttonfor two seconds without pressing thebrake pedal. Do not start the engine.
2.Press the accelerator and brake pedalsat the same time.
3.Keep the accelerator and brake pedalsfully pressed.
4. After three seconds, a messageconfirming that the reset is in progresswill be displayed.
5. After 25 seconds, a messageconfirming that the reset is completewill be displayed.
6. Release the accelerator and brakepedals.
7.The message confirming that the resetis complete will no longer be displayed.
8.Switch the ignition off. For vehicles withpush-button start, press the startbutton to switch the ignition off.
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, you canbe burned if you spill coolant on hot engineparts.
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MaintenanceE142732

WARNINGS
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 the cap is loosenedslightly.
Do not add coolant further than theMAX mark.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with adiesel engine, refer to the DieselSupplement.
When the engine is cold, check theconcentration and level of the enginecoolant at the intervals listed in thescheduled maintenance information. SeeScheduled Maintenance (page 453).
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® Coolantand Battery Refractometer 75240. We donot recommend the use of hydrometers orcoolant test strips for measuring coolantconcentrations.
Note:Automotive fluids are notinterchangeable. Do not use engine coolantor antifreeze or windshield washer fluidoutside of its specified function and vehiclelocation.
Adding Engine Coolant
Note:Do not use stop leak pellets, coolingsystem sealants, or additives as they cancause damage to the engine cooling orheating systems. This damage would notbe covered under your vehicle’s warranty.
Note:During normal vehicle operation, theengine coolant may change color fromorange to pink or light red. As long as theengine coolant is clear and uncontaminated,this color change does not indicate theengine coolant has degraded nor does itrequire the engine coolant to be drained, thesystem to be flushed, or the engine coolantto be replaced.
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Maintenance

•Do not mix different colors or types ofcoolant in your vehicle. Make sure thecorrect coolant is used. Mixing ofengine coolants may harm yourengine’s cooling system. The use of animproper coolant may harm engine andcooling system components and mayvoid the warranty. Use predilutedengine coolant meeting the Fordspecification. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 303).
•In case of emergency, a large amountof water without engine coolant maybe added in order to reach a vehicleservice location. In this instance, thecooling system must be drained,chemically cleaned with MotorcraftPremium Cooling System Flush, andrefilled with engine coolant as soon aspossible. Water alone (without enginecoolant) can cause engine damagefrom corrosion, overheating or freezing.
•Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine orany engine coolants mixed with alcoholor methanol antifreeze (coolant).Alcohol and other liquids can causeengine damage from overheating orfreezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors or additivesto the coolant. These can be harmfuland compromise the corrosionprotection of the engine coolant.
Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure willescape as you unscrew the cap.
Add prediluted engine coolant meeting theFord specification. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 303).
Whenever coolant has been added, thecoolant level in the coolant reservoirshould be checked the next few times youdrive the vehicle. If necessary, add enoughprediluted engine coolant to bring thecoolant level to the proper level.
Recycled Engine Coolant
Ford Motor Company does not recommendthe use of recycled engine coolant since aFord-approved recycling process is not yetavailable.
Used engine coolant should be disposedof in an appropriate manner. Follow yourcommunity’s regulations and standardsfor recycling and disposing of automotivefluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•It may be necessary to have a Fordauthorized dealer increase the coolantconcentration above 50%.
•A coolant concentration of 60% willprovide improved freeze pointprotection. Engine coolantconcentrations above 60% willdecrease the overheat protectioncharacteristics of the engine coolantand may cause engine damage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It may be necessary to have a Fordauthorized dealer decrease the coolantconcentration to 40%.
•A coolant concentration of 40% willprovide improved overheat protection.Engine coolant concentrations below40% will decrease the freeze andcorrosion protection characteristics ofthe engine coolant and may causeengine damage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extremeclimates should use prediluted enginecoolant for optimum cooling system andengine protection.
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Maintenance

What You Should Know About Fail-Safe Cooling
If the engine coolant supply is depleted,this feature allows the vehicle to be driventemporarily before incremental componentdamage is incurred. The “fail-safe”distance depends on ambienttemperatures, vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat, the enginecoolant temperature gauge will move tothe red (hot) area and:
The coolant temperaturewarning light will illuminate.
The service engine soonindicator will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a presetover-temperature condition, the enginewill automatically switch to alternatingcylinder operation. Each disabled cylinderacts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will stilloperate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will bedisabled.
Continued operation will increase theengine temperature and the engine willcompletely shut down, causing steeringand braking effort to increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, theengine can be re-started. Take your vehicleto an authorized dealer as soon as possibleto minimize engine damage.
When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated
WARNINGS
Fail-safe mode is for use duringemergencies only. Operate thevehicle in fail-safe mode only as longas necessary to bring the vehicle to rest ina safe location and seek immediate repairs.When in fail-safe mode, the vehicle willhave limited power, will not be able tomaintain high-speed operation, and maycompletely shut down without warning,potentially losing engine power, powersteering assist, and power brake assist,which may increase the possibility of acrash resulting in serious injury.
Never remove the coolant reservoircap while the engine is running or hot.
You have limited engine power when in thefail-safe mode, so drive the vehicle withcaution. The vehicle will not be able tomaintain high-speed operation and theengine will run rough. Remember that theengine is capable of completely shuttingdown automatically to prevent enginedamage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safelypossible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken toan authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a shortperiod for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenishif low.
5. Re-start the engine and take yourvehicle to an authorized dealer.
Note:Driving the vehicle without repairingthe engine problem increases the chance ofengine damage. Take your vehicle to anauthorized dealer as soon as possible.
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Maintenance

Engine Fluid TemperatureManagement (If Equipped)
WARNINGS
To reduce the risk of collision andinjury, be prepared that the vehiclespeed may reduce and the vehiclemay not be able to accelerate with fullpower until the fluid temperatures reduce.
Never remove the coolant reservoircap while the engine is running or hot.
Your vehicle has been designed to pull atrailer, but because of the added load, thevehicle’s engine may temporarily reachhigher temperatures during severeoperating conditions such as ascending along or steep grade while pulling a trailerin hot ambient temperatures.
At this time, you may notice your enginecoolant temperature gauge needle movetoward the H and the POWER REDUCEDTO LOWER TEMP message may appearin the information display.
You may notice a reduction in the vehicle’sspeed caused by reduced engine power.In order to manage the engine fluidtemperatures, your vehicle may enter thismode if certain high-temperature andhigh-load conditions take place. Theamount of speed reduction will depend onthe vehicle loading, towing, grade, ambienttemperature, and other factors. If thisoccurs, there is no need to pull off the road.The vehicle can continue to be driven whilethis message is active.
The air conditioning may turn on and offduring severe operating conditions toprotect the engine from overheating. Whenthe engine coolant temperature decreasesto a more normal operating temperature,the air conditioning will turn on once again.
If the engine coolant temperature gaugemoves fully into the red (hot) area, or if thecoolant temperature warning or serviceengine soon messages appear in yourinformation display:
1. Stop your vehicle as soon as safelypossible and shift the transmission intopark (P).
2. Leave the engine running until thecoolant temperature gauge needlemoves away from the H range. Afterseveral minutes, if this does nothappen, follow the remaining steps.
3.Switch the engine off and wait for it tocool before checking the coolant level.
4. If the coolant level is normal, you mayrestart your engine and continue on.
5. If the coolant is low, add coolant,restart the engine and take your vehicleto an authorized dealer. See Addingengine coolant in this chapter for moreinformation. Refer to fail-safe coolingfor additional information.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
Have an authorized dealer check andchange the transmission fluid and filter atthe correct service interval. SeeScheduled Maintenance (page 453).
Do not use supplemental transmissionfluid additives, treatments or cleaningagents. The use of these materials mayaffect transmission operation and resultin damage to internal transmissioncomponents.
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Maintenance

•Touch-up exposed or primed metal toprevent rust.
•Cover chrome and stainless steel partswith a thick coat of auto wax to preventdiscoloration. Re-wax as necessarywhen you wash your vehicle.
•Lubricate all hood, door and luggagecompartment hinges and latches witha light grade oil.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil andsolvents.
Engine
•Change the engine oil and filter prior tostorage because used engine oilcontains contaminates which maycause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days for aminimum of 15 minutes. Run at fast idlewith the climate controls set to defrostuntil the engine reaches normaloperating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shiftthrough all the gears while the engineis running.
•We recommend that you change theengine oil before you use your vehicleagain.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fueluntil the first automatic shutoff of thefuel pump nozzle.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing your vehicle fromstorage, check coolant fluid level.Confirm that there are no coolingsystem leaks and that fluid is at therecommended level.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keepconnections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30days without recharging the battery,we recommend that you disconnectthe battery cables to maintain batterycharge for quick starting.
Note:It is necessary to reset memoryfeatures if battery cables are disconnected.
Brakes
•Make sure the brakes and parking brakerelease fully.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
•Make sure all linkages, cables, leversand pins under your vehicle are coveredwith grease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m)every 15 days to lubricate working partsand prevent corrosion.
Removing Vehicle From Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out ofstorage, do the following:
•Wash your vehicle to remove any dirtor grease film build-up on windowsurfaces.
•Check windshield wipers for anydeterioration.
•Check under the hood for any foreignmaterial that may have collectedduring storage such as mice or squirrelnests.
•Check the exhaust for any foreignmaterial that may have collectedduring storage.
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Vehicle Care