2017 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY engine overheat

If the power steering system breaks down(or if the engine is turned off), you cansteer the vehicle manually, but it takesmore effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper vehicle alignment
If any steering components are serviced orreplaced, install new fasteners (many arecoated with thread adhesive or haveprevailing torque features which may notbe re-used). Never re-use a bolt or nut.Torque fasteners to specifications.
A high crown in the road or high crosswindsmay also make the steering seem towander or pull.
Adaptive Steering (If Equipped)
WARNING
The adaptive steering system hasdiagnostic checks that continuouslymonitor the system. If a fault isdetected a message displays in theinformation display. Stop your vehicle assoon as it is safe to do so. This warningmessage may clear if the fault is no longerpresent. If an adaptive steering systemwarning message appears each time youstart your vehicle, have the systemchecked as soon as possible.
The adaptive steering system continuallychanges the steering ratio with changes tovehicle speed, optimizing the steeringresponse in all conditions. The system alsochanges when you switch on thetransmission tow/haul feature. When youselect the tow/haul button, the adaptivesteering system reduces vehicle sensitivityto steering inputs at higher vehicle speeds,while maintaining the ease of parking andmaneuverability at low speeds.
Note:The adaptive steering system isdesigned with a locking device. With thelock engaged, the adaptive steering systemremains mechanically locked at a fixedsteering ratio. You may also notice a clickwhen you switch the vehicle on or after youswitch it off, as the lock disengages orengages.
Note:If your vehicle loses electrical poweror detects a fault when you are driving, thesystem automatically shuts down and youretain normal steering function with a fixedsteering ratio. During this time it is possiblethat the steering wheel may not be straightwhen the vehicle is driving straight ahead.In addition, the driver may notice that thesteering wheel angle required to steer thevehicle may be different.
Note:During parking maneuvers, theadaptive steering system balances the driverwork load for various steering wheel inputsand vehicle loading conditions. Underextreme operating conditions the systemlocking device may engage. This strategyprevents overheating and permanentdamage to the adaptive steering system.Typical steering and driving maneuversallow the system to cool and return tonormal operation.
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Driving Aids

When Towing a Trailer
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi(800 km).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•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 withAdaptive Steering and you haveenabled Tow/Haul, the AdaptiveSteering system adjusts the steeringresponse to match your vehicle’s load.The system reduces vehicle sensitivityto steering inputs at higher vehiclespeeds while it maintains the ease ofparking and maneuverability at lowspeeds.
•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).
•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.
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Towing

It is very important to use predilutedcoolant meeting the correct specificationin order to avoid plugging the smallpassageways in the engine cooling system.See Capacities and Specifications(page 422). Incorrect prediluted coolantuse can cause damage not covered by thevehicle Warranty.
If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, add prediluted coolantimmediately.
To top up the coolant level do thefollowing:
1. Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressureescapes as you unscrew the cap.
2. Add prediluted coolant meeting thecorrect specification. See Capacitiesand Specifications (page 415).
3. Add enough prediluted coolant toreach the correct level.
4.Replace the coolant reservoir cap, turnit clockwise until you feel a strongresistance.
5. Check the coolant level in the coolantreservoir the next few times you driveyour vehicle.
Note:During normal vehicle operation, thecoolant may change color from orange topink or light red. As long as the coolant isclear and uncontaminated, this color changedoes not indicate the coolant has degradednor does it require the coolant to be drained,the system to be flushed, or the coolant tobe replaced.
Do not mix different colors or types ofprediluted coolant in your vehicle. Mixingof prediluted coolant or using an incorrectprediluted coolant may harm the engineor cooling system components and maynot be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
In case of emergency, you can add a largeamount of water without predilutedcoolant in order to reach a vehicle servicelocation. On arrival do the following:
1. Drain the cooling system.
2. Chemically clean the cooling system.We recommend Motorcraft PremiumCooling System Flush.
3. Refill with prediluted coolant as soonas possible.
Water alone, without prediluted coolant,can cause engine damage from corrosion,overheating or freezing.
Do not use the following as a coolantsubstitute:
•Alcohol.
•Methanol.
•Brine.
•Any coolant mixed with alcohol ormethanol antifreeze.
Alcohol and other liquids can cause enginedamage from overheating or freezing.
Do not add extra inhibitors or additives tothe coolant. These can be harmful andcompromise the corrosion protection ofthe coolant.
Recycled Coolant
We do not recommend the use of recycledcoolant as an approved recycling processis not yet available.
Dispose of used engine coolant in anappropriate manner. Follow yourcommunity’s regulations and standardsfor recycling and disposing of automotivefluids.
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Maintenance

Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•It may be necessary to increase thecoolant concentration above 50%.
•A coolant concentration of 60%provides improved freeze pointprotection. Coolant concentrationsabove 60% decrease the overheatprotection characteristics of thecoolant and may cause enginedamage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It may be necessary to decrease thecoolant concentration to 40%.
•A coolant concentration of 40%provides improved overheat protection.Coolant concentrations below 40%decrease the freeze and corrosionprotection characteristics of thecoolant and may cause enginedamage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extremeclimates should use prediluted coolant foroptimum cooling system and engineprotection.
Fail-Safe Cooling
Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarilydrive your vehicle before any incrementalcomponent damage occurs. The fail-safedistance depends on ambienttemperature, vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat, thecoolant temperature gauge moves towardthe red zone:
A warning lamp illuminates anda message may appear in theinformation display.
If the engine reaches a presetover-temperature condition, the engineautomatically switches to alternatingcylinder operation. Each disabled cylinderacts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs, your vehicle stilloperates, however:
•Engine power is limited.
•The air conditioning system turns off.
Continued operation increases the enginetemperature, causing the engine tocompletely shut down. Your steering andbraking effort increases in this situation.
When the engine temperature cools, youcan re-start the engine. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible to minimizeengine damage.
When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated
WARNINGS
Fail-safe mode is for use duringemergencies only. Operate yourvehicle in fail-safe mode only as longas necessary to bring your vehicle to restin a safe location and seek immediaterepairs. When in fail-safe mode, yourvehicle will have limited power, will not beable to maintain high-speed operation, andmay completely shut down withoutwarning, potentially losing engine power,power steering assist, and power brakeassist, which may increase the possibilityof a crash resulting in serious injury.
Never remove the coolant reservoircap while the engine is running or hot.
Your vehicle has limited engine powerwhen in the fail-safe mode, drive yourvehicle with caution. Your vehicle does notmaintain high-speed operation and theengine may operate poorly.
Remember that the engine is capable ofautomatically shutting down to preventengine damage. In this situation:
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Maintenance

1. Pull off the road as soon as safelypossible and switch the engine off.
2. If you are a member of a roadsideassistance program, we recommendthat you contact your roadsideassistance service provider.
3. If this is not possible, wait a shortperiod for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level. If the coolantlevel is at or below the minimum mark,add prediluted coolant immediately.
5. When the engine temperature cools,you can re-start the engine. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible tominimize engine damage.
Note:Driving your vehicle without repairincreases the chance of engine damage.
Engine Coolant TemperatureManagement (If Equipped)
WARNING
To reduce the risk of crash and injury,be prepared that the vehicle speedmay reduce and the vehicle may notbe able to accelerate with full power untilthe coolant temperature reduces.
If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, theengine may temporarily reach higher atemperature during severe operatingconditions, for example ascending a longor steep grade in high ambienttemperatures.
At this time, you may notice the coolanttemperature gauge moves toward the redzone and a message may appear in theinformation display.
You may notice a reduction in vehiclespeed caused by reduced engine power.In order to manage the engine coolanttemperature. Your vehicle may enter thismode if certain high-temperature andhigh-load conditions take place. Theamount of speed reduction depends onvehicle loading, grade and ambienttemperature. If this occurs, there is no needto pull off the road. You can continue todrive your vehicle.
The air conditioning may automaticallyturn on and off during severe operatingconditions to protect the engine fromoverheating. When the coolanttemperature decreases to the normaloperating temperature, the air conditioningturns on.
If the coolant temperature gauge movesfully into the red zone, or if the coolanttemperature warning or service enginesoon messages appear in your informationdisplay, do the following:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safelypossible and shift the transmission intopark (P).
2. Leave the engine running until thecoolant temperature gauge needlereturns to the normal position. Afterseveral minutes, if the temperaturedoes not drop, follow the remainingsteps.
3.Switch the engine off and wait for it tocool. Check the coolant level.
4. If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, add prediluted coolantimmediately.
5. If the coolant level is normal, restartthe engine and continue.
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Maintenance

For vehicles with overflow coolant systemswith a non-pressurized cap on the coolantrecovery system, add coolant to thecoolant recovery reservoir when the engineis cool. Add prediluted coolant to themaximum level. For all vehicles which havea coolant degas system with a pressurizedcap, or if it is necessary to remove thecoolant pressure relief cap on the radiator,follow these steps to add engine coolant:
1. Turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressureescapes as you unscrew the cap.
3. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly withprediluted engine coolant to within theminimum and maximum range on theengine coolant reservoir. If youremoved the radiator cap in anoverflow system, fill the radiator untilthe coolant is visible and the radiatoris almost full. If coolant is added tobring the level within the minimum andmaximum range when the engine is notcold, the system may remain underfilled.
4.Replace the coolant reservoir cap, turnit clockwise until you feel a strongresistance.
5. Check the coolant level in the coolantreservoir the next few times you driveyour vehicle. If necessary, add enoughprediluted engine coolant to bring thecoolant level to the proper level.
Note:If prediluted coolant is not available,use the approved antifreeze concentratediluting it to 50/50 with distilled water. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page 427).Using water that has not been deionizedmay contribute to deposit formation,corrosion or plugging of the small coolingsystem passageways.
If you have to add more than 1.1 qt (1 L) ofengine coolant per month, have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.Operating an engine with a low level ofcoolant can result in engine overheatingand possible engine damage.
Note:During normal vehicle operation, thecoolant may change color from orange topink or light red. As long as the coolant isclear and uncontaminated, this color changedoes not indicate the coolant has degradednor does it require the coolant to be drained,the system to be flushed, or the coolant tobe replaced.
Note:In case of emergency, you can add alarge amount of water without coolant inorder to reach a vehicle service location.Water alone, without coolant, can causeengine damage from corrosion, overheatingor freezing. When you reach a servicelocation, you must have the cooling systemdrained, flushed and refilled using thecorrect specification prediluted coolant orantifreeze concentrate. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 427).
Do not use the following as a coolantsubstitute:
•Alcohol.
•Methanol.
•Brine.
•Any coolant mixed with alcohol ormethanol antifreeze.
Alcohol and other liquids can cause enginedamage from overheating or freezing.
Do not add extra inhibitors or non-specifiedadditives to the coolant. These can beharmful and compromise the corrosionprotection of the coolant.
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Maintenance

Engine and Secondary CoolingSystem Refill Procedure
The following procedure should be usedwhen refilling the engine or secondarycooling systems after it has been drainedor become extremely low:
1. Before you remove the cap, turn theengine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thickcloth around the cap. Slowly turn capcounterclockwise until pressure beginsto release.
3.Step back while the pressure releases.
4.When you are sure that all the pressurehas been released, use the cloth to turnit counterclockwise and remove thecap.
5. Slowly add prediluted engine coolantto the coolant reservoir until thecoolant level is within the minimumand maximum range as listed on thereservoir.
6. Reinstall the pressure relief cap.
7. Start and run the engine at 2000 rpmfor 2 minutes.
8. Shut engine off, and remove thepressure relief cap as previouslyoutlined.
9. If required, add prediluted enginecoolant to the coolant reservoir untilthe coolant level is within the minimumand maximum range as listed on thereservoir.
10.Engine cooling system: RepeatStep 5 until the coolant level hasstabilized (is no longer dropping aftereach step) and the upper radiatorhose at the radiator is warm to thetouch (indicating that the enginethermostat is open and coolant isflowing through the radiator).
11.Check the secondary cooling system.Repeat Step 5 until the coolant levelhas stabilized (is no longer droppingafter each step) and the lowerpassenger side of the secondaryradiator is warm to the touch(indicating secondary thermostat isopen and coolant is flowing throughthe entire system).
12.Reinstall the pressure relief cap. Shutthe engine off and let it cool.
13. Check the coolant level in thereservoir before you drive your vehiclethe next few times.
14. If necessary, add prediluted enginecoolant to the coolant reservoir untilthe coolant level is within theminimum and maximum range aslisted on the reservoir. After anycoolant has been added, check thecoolant concentration.
Recycled Coolant
We do not recommend the use of recycledcoolant as an approved recycling processis not yet available.
Dispose of used engine coolant in anappropriate 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 increase thecoolant concentration above 50%.
•A coolant concentration of 60%provides improved freeze pointprotection. Coolant concentrationsabove 60% decrease the overheatprotection characteristics of thecoolant and may cause enginedamage.
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Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201710, Second Printing
Maintenance

Ford Motor Company has recommendedmaintenance intervals for various partsand component systems based uponengineering testing. Ford Motor Companyrelies upon this testing to determine themost appropriate mileage for replacementof oils and fluids to protect your vehicle atthe lowest overall cost to you andrecommends against maintenanceschedules that deviate from the scheduledmaintenance information.
We strongly recommend the use of onlygenuine Ford, Motorcraft orFord-authorized re-manufacturedreplacement parts engineered for yourvehicle.
Additives and Chemicals
This owner's manual and the FordWorkshop Manual list the recommendedadditives and chemicals for your vehicle.We do not recommend using chemicals oradditives not approved by us as part ofyour vehicle’s normal maintenance. Pleaseconsult your warranty information.
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is anormal operating characteristic and, byitself, does not necessarily indicate aconcern or that the fluid needs to bechanged. However, a qualified expert, suchas the factory-trained technicians at yourdealership, should inspect discolored fluidsthat also show signs of overheating orforeign material contaminationimmediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle’s oils andfluids at the specified intervals or inconjunction with a repair. Flushing is aviable way to change fluid for many vehiclesub-systems during scheduledmaintenance. It is critical that systems areflushed only with new fluid that is the sameas that required to fill and operate thesystem or using a Ford-approved flushingchemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Make sure you perform the following basicmaintenance checks and inspections everymonth or at six-month intervals.
Check every month
Air filter restriction gauge.
Fuel and water separator. Drain if necessary (or if indicated by the information display).
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure.
Holes and slots in the tail pipe to make sure they are functional and clear of debris.
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Scheduled Maintenance