VEHICLE INSPECTION
INFORMATION
To make sure your vehicle is ready to
operate, conduct a pre-trip inspection at
the beginning of each work period. Follow
the steps listed in this section to verify a
proper vehicle inspection procedure.
WARNINGS
Exercise great caution when working
on a vehicle equipped with an
automatic fan clutch. The fan starts
in motion only after the engine coolant
reaches a predetermined temperature or
the refrigerant pressure (if equipped with
air conditioning) reaches a predetermined
setting. The fan starts at this point with no
advance warning. Never reach near, or
permit objects to protrude into, the fan
blade radius while the engine is running as
this could result in vehicle damage,
personal injury or death. WARNINGS
Do not operate the vehicle if any
suspension conditions listed in the
following charts are evident. Loss of
steering or suspension could result in
property damage, personal injury or death. If a wheel must be changed, obtain
expert tire service help. Mounting and
un-mounting of tires should only be
performed by a qualified technician using
necessary safety procedures and
equipment, otherwise the result could be
property damage, personal injury or death. Note:
Always make sure you apply the
parking brake before starting the engine. Engine compartment (with engine off)
Use the dipstick to verify the oil level is in the proper operating
range. See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 185).
Engine oil
Look through the plastic reservoir and verify the coolant level
is within the proper operating range. Do not remove the
pressure cap until the coolant has cooled. See
Engine
Coolant Check (page 190).
Engine coolant
Verify that the fluid level is in the proper operating range. See
Power Steering Fluid Check
(page 202).
Power steering fluid
Remove the master cylinder caps and inspect the fluid level.
See
Brake Fluid Check (page 201).
Brake fluid
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UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 6.8L
Windshield washer fluid reservoir. See Washer Fluid Check (page 202).
A
Engine coolant reservoir. See
Engine Coolant Check (page 190).
B
Automatic transmission fluid dipstick. See
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Check (page 200).
C
Brake fluid reservoir. See
Brake Fluid Check (page 201).
D
Engine compartment fusebox. See
Fuses (page 162).
E
Power steering fluid reservoir. See
Power Steering Fluid Check (page 202).
F
Engine oil dipstick. See
Engine Oil Dipstick (page 185).
G
Engine oil filler cap. See
Engine Oil Check (page 185).
H
Air cleaner assembly. See
Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 210).
I
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E209130
UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 6.7L DIESEL
Windshield washer fluid reservoir. See Washer Fluid Check (page 202).
A
Secondary Cooling System Reservoir. See Engine Coolant Check (page 195).
B
Engine coolant reservoir. See
Engine Coolant Check (page 195).
C
Automatic transmission fluid dipstick. See
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Check (page 200).
D
Secondary fuel filter. See
Draining the Fuel Filter Water Trap (page 203).
E
Engine oil separator. See Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter (page 188).
F
Brake fluid reservoir. See
Brake Fluid Check (page 201).
G
Engine compartment fusebox. See
Fuses (page 162).
H
Power steering fluid reservoir. See
Power Steering Fluid Check (page 202).
I
Air brake compressor. See
Brake System Inspection (page 218).
J
Engine oil filler cap. See
Engine Oil Check (page 186).
K
Engine oil dipstick. See
Engine Oil Dipstick (page 185).
L
Air cleaner assembly. See
Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 211).
M
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E209131C
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK - 6.8L
MINA
MAX
B
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK - 6.7L
DIESEL Minimum.
A
Maximum.
B
ENGINE OIL CHECK - 6.8L
1. Make sure that your vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 minutes
for the oil to drain into the oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is in park (P) or neutral (N). 4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from
engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine
oil level dipstick. See Under Hood
Overview (page 183).
6. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick fully, then remove it again.
•If the oil level is between the lower
and upper holes, the oil level is
acceptable. DO NOT ADD OIL.
• If the oil level is below the lower
hole, add enough oil to raise the
level within the lower and upper
holes.
• Oil levels above the upper hole may
cause engine damage. Some oil
must be removed from the engine
by an authorized dealer.
7. Put the oil level dipstick back into the oil dipstick tube and ensure it is fully
seated.
Adding Engine Oil
Note: Do not remove the filler cap when
the engine is running.
Note: Do not remove the engine oil level
dipstick when the engine is running.
Note: Do not add oil further than the MAX
mark. Oil levels above the MAX mark may
cause engine damage. 185
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AB E206879
AB E142732
Only use oils certified for gasoline engines
by the American Petroleum Institute (API).
An oil with this trademark symbol
conforms to the current engine and
emission system protection standards and
fuel economy requirements of the
International Lubricants Specification
Advisory Council (ILSAC), comprised of
U.S. and Japanese automobile
manufacturers.
1. Check the engine oil level.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the
normal range, add engine oil that
meets Ford specifications. See
Capacities and Specifications for more
information.
3. Remove the engine oil filler cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into
the opening.
4. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure
the oil level is not above the normal
operating range on the engine oil level
dipstick.
5. Install the engine oil level dipstick and ensure it is fully seated.
6. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise until
three clicks are heard or until the cap
is fully seated.
ENGINE OIL CHECK - 6.7L
DIESEL
Because it is normal to add some oil
between oil changes, check your engine oil
level each time you stop for fuel. To check
the engine oil level consistently and
accurately, the following procedure is
recommended:
1. Have engine at normal operating temperature (at least into the NORMAL
range on the engine coolant
temperature gauge). 2.
Park the vehicle on a level surface, then
turn off the engine and open the hood.
3. Allow at least 20 minutes after engine
shutdown to ensure that the oil
contained in the upper parts of the
engine has returned to the oil pan.
4. Protecting yourself from engine heat, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean and
reinsert fully.
5. Read oil level on both sides of dipstick
and use highest level (reading) for the
actual engine oil level. 6. Maintain the oil level within the
crosshatch area on the dipstick by
adding oil as required. Do not overfill
the oil past the maximum line as
depicted by the arrow.
Engine Oil Specifications
To help achieve acceptable engine
performance and durability, it is important
that only engine oils of good quality are
used in your diesel engine and it is changed
at the recommended interval. For normal
or severe service, use Motorcraft® oil or an
equivalent oil conforming to Ford
specifications as listed in the Capacities
and Specifications chapter. See
Capacities and Specifications (page
256). It is important to use these oils
because they are compatible with the
emission control equipment of your vehicle
to meet the more stringent emission
standards.
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8.
Fully tighten all of the bolts to between
3–4 lb.ft (4.5–6 Nm) in the sequence
shown.
9. Record the engine mileage and update
the service log accordingly.
OIL CHANGE INDICATOR
RESET
Use the information display controls on
the steering wheel to reset the oil change
indicator. See
General Information
(page 62).
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK -
6.8L WARNINGS
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, spilling
coolant on hot engine parts can burn you. 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. WARNINGS
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 you loosen the cap
slightly. Do not add coolant further than the
MAX
mark.
When the engine is cold, check the
concentration and level of the engine
coolant at the intervals listed in the
scheduled maintenance information. See
Scheduled Maintenance
(page 314).
Note: Make sure that the coolant level is
between the
MIN and MAX marks on the
coolant reservoir.
Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. The
level may extend beyond the
MAX mark.
The coolant concentration should be
maintained within 48% to 50%, which
equates to a freeze point between -30°F
(-34°C) and -34°F (-37°C).
Note: For best results, coolant
concentration should be tested with a
refractometer such as Robinair® Coolant
and Battery Refractometer 75240. We do
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
or antifreeze or windshield washer fluid
outside of its specified function and vehicle
location.
Adding Engine Coolant
Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, cooling
system sealants, or additives as they can
cause damage to the engine cooling or
heating systems. This damage would not
be covered under your vehicle ’s warranty.
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Make sure to clean all dust and debris out
of the pipes and couplings with a clean,
damp rag before reassembly.
Chassis-mounted Charge Air
Cooler
Visually inspect the core assembly for
debris and clogging of external fins with
the engine off.
Before engine operation, remove any debris
blocking the core.
•
Turbocharger-to-charge air cooler.
• Charge air cooler-to-intake manifold
pipe.
• Mounting bracket.
• Chassis-mounted charge air cooler
core.
Inspect air intake piping:
• Check for accumulation of salt
deposits (where applicable). If present,
disassemble and clean the complete
air intake piping system. If pitting is
evident on the intake piping, use
Motorcraft Silicone Gasket and Sealant
TA-30 to seal joints against leakage.
• Check for loose hoses and clamps.
• Check for ruptured or collapsed hoses.
• Check air cleaner housing for cracks.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
INSPECTION
Note: If your vehicle is equipped with a
catalytic converter or muffler, do not blend
waste oil with diesel fuel. Operate only on
ultra-low sulfur (less than 15 parts per
million sulfur) diesel fuel with a cetane
value of 45 or higher. If your diesel engine is equipped with a
catalytic converter, it is important to review
the maintenance schedule to make sure
proper functioning of the catalytic
converter. Also, take precautions not to
damage the catalytic converter when
servicing your engine or storing your
vehicle.
BRAKE SYSTEM INSPECTION
WARNING
Always wear a respirator approved
by the National Institute of
Occupational Studies of Health
(NIOSH) or Mine Safety and Appliance
(MSA) during all brake service procedures.
Wear the respirator from removal of the
wheels through assembly.
Never use compressed air or dry brushing
to clean brake parts or assemblies.
Clean brake parts and assemblies in open
air. During assembly, carefully place all
parts on the floor to avoid getting dust in
the air. Use an industrial vacuum cleaner
with a HEPA filter system to clean dust
from the brake drums, backing plates and
other brake parts. After using the vacuum,
remove any remaining dust with a rag
soaked in water and wrung until nearly dry.
Never use compressed air or dry sweeping
to clean the work area. Use an industrial
vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter system
and rags soaked in water and wrung until
nearly dry. Dispose of used rags with care
to avoid getting dust in the air. Use an
approved respirator when emptying
vacuum cleaners and handling used rags.
Worker clean-up: Wash your hands before
eating, drinking or smoking. Vacuum your
work clothes after use and then launder
them separately, without shaking them, to
prevent fiber dust getting into the air. 218
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Follow the tire manufacturer's
recommended cold inflation pressure for
the tire size, load range (ply rating) and
steer axle loading typical for their operation
(each steer axle tire equals ½ steer axle
loading).
Special applications may warrant a setting
based on experience with the type of tire
operating loads and conditions. Radial tires
are more sensitive to toe-in setting than
bias ply tires. Fine tuning school bus
alignment to line-haul truck standards
does not drastically improve tire tread life.
STEERING SYSTEM
INSPECTION
WARNING
Failure to maintain the steering
system in proper condition can cause
reduced steering ability resulting in
property damage, personal injury or death. Note:
Have any steering problems
immediately corrected by a qualified service
technician.
Ask your service technician to examine the
steering mechanism. Only minor
adjustments may be necessary.
Regular inspections should include:
• Checking the tie rod, drag link end
clamp bolts and ball joints for proper
tightness.
• Checking for installation and spread of
cotter pins and tightness of nuts at
both ends of the tie rod and drag link.
• Checking that the pitman arm (steering
arm at steering gear) mounting is tight
and locked. Check system for leaks or
hose chafing. Repair immediately, if
necessary. •
Maintaining proper steering gear and
power steering pump lubricant levels.
• Checking steering column joint bolts
and steering linkage, particularly for
body-to-chassis clearance.
Steering Column Joint Bolts
As a good maintenance practice, check
steering column joint bolt tightness every
60,000 mi (96,000 km) or annually,
whichever occurs first. Do not overtighten
the bolts.
Hydraulic System
Whenever draining and refilling the power
steering's hydraulic system for any reason,
bleed air from the system before returning
the vehicle to service. Failure to bleed the
hydraulic system properly can result in
degradation of power system performance.
Consult an authorized dealer who is aware
of the proper procedures for filling and
bleeding the system.
SUSPENSION SYSTEM
INSPECTION
Note: Do not adjust air suspension height
to any setting other than the specified
setting. Altering the height setting changes
the driveline angle and may result in
unwarrantable component damage, such
as transmission component damage.
Verify drive axle air suspension height and
height control valve performance at engine
oil change intervals.
Periodically check:
• Condition of spring leaves for evidence
of fatigue, bending or breakage.
• Condition of suspension mounting
brackets and bushings.
• Torque rod mounting fasteners for
tightness.
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