2017 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY warning

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

ENGINE COOLANT CHECK -
6.7L DIESEL
WARNINGS
Do not remove the coolant reservoircap when the cooling system is hot.Wait 10 minutes for the coolingsystem to cool down. Cover the coolantreservoir cap with a thick cloth to preventthe possibility of scalding and slowlyremove the cap. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in personal injury.
Do not put coolant in the windshieldwasher fluid reservoir. If sprayed onthe windshield, coolant could makeit difficult to see through 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 coolant atthe intervals listed in the scheduledmaintenance information. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 573).
Note:Make sure that the coolant level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks on thecoolant reservoir.
Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. Thelevel may extend beyond the MAX mark.
Maintain coolant concentration within48% to 50%, which equates to a freezepoint between -30°F (-34°C) and -34°F(-37°C). Coolant concentration should bechecked using a refractometer. We do notrecommend the use of hydrometers orcoolant test strips for measuring coolantconcentration.
Adding Coolant
WARNING
Never remove the coolant reservoircap when the engine is running orhot.
Note:Automotive fluids are notinterchangeable. Do not use coolant orwindshield washer fluid outside of itsspecified function and vehicle location.
Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, coolingsystem sealants, or non-specified additivesas they can cause damage to the enginecooling or heating systems. Resultingcomponent damage may not be covered bythe vehicle Warranty.
It is very important to use predilutedcoolant approved to the correctspecification in order to avoid plugging thesmall passageways in the engine coolingsystem. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 427). Do not mixdifferent colors or types of coolant in yourvehicle. Mixing of engine coolants or usingan incorrect coolant may harm the engineor cooling system components and maynot be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Note:Coolants marketed for all makes andmodels may not be approved to Fordspecifications and may cause damage tothe cooling system. Resulting componentdamage may not be covered by the vehicleWarranty.
If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, add prediluted coolantimmediately.
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Maintenance

Do not use supplemental transmissionfluid additives, treatments or cleaningagents. The use of these materials mayaffect transmission operation and resultin damage to internal transmissioncomponents.
TRANSFER CASE FLUID
CHECK (If Equipped)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and inspect thefluid level.
3.Add only enough fluid through the filleropening so that the fluid level is at thebottom of the opening.
Only use fluid that meets Fordspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 415).
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
WARNINGS
Do not use any fluid other than therecommended brake fluid as this willreduce brake efficiency. Use ofincorrect fluid could result in the loss ofvehicle control, serious personal injury ordeath.
Only use brake fluid from a sealedcontainer. Contamination with dirt,water, petroleum products or othermaterials may result in brake systemdamage or failure. Failure to adhere to thiswarning could result in the loss of vehiclecontrol, serious personal injury or death.
Do not allow the fluid to touch yourskin or eyes. If this happens, rinse theaffected areas immediately withplenty of water and contact your physician.
A fluid level between the MAX andMIN lines is within the normaloperating range and there is no needto add fluid. A fluid level not in the normaloperating range could compromise theperformance of the system. Have yourvehicle checked immediately.
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To avoid fluid contamination, the reservoircap must remain in place and fully tight,unless you are adding fluid.
Only use fluid that meets Fordspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 415).
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
Check the power steering fluid. SeeScheduled Maintenance (page 573). Ifadding fluid is necessary, use onlyMERCON LV ATF
Note:This procedure is for vehicles withgasoline engines. Vehicles with dieselengines are similar. See Under HoodOverview in your diesel supplement.
Check the fluid level when it is at ambienttemperature.
1. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. Itshould be between the MIN and MAXrange. Do not add fluid if the level iswithin this range.
2.If the fluid level is low, add fluid to bringthe fluid level up to between the MINand MAX range.
3. Switch the engine on.
4.While the engine idles, turn the steeringwheel left and right several times.
5. Switch the engine off.
6. Recheck the fluid level in the reservoir.Do not add fluid if the level is betweenthe MIN and MAX range.
7. If the fluid is low, add fluid in smallamounts, continuously checking thelevel until it is between the MIN andMAX range. For proper fluid type, SeeCapacities and Specifications (page415). Be sure to put the cap back on thereservoir.
WASHER FLUID CHECK
WARNING
If you operate your vehicle intemperatures below 40°F (5°C), usewasher fluid with antifreezeprotection. Failure to use washer fluid withantifreeze protection in cold weather couldresult in impaired windshield vision andincrease the risk of injury or accident.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level islow. Only use a washer fluid that meetsFord specifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 415).
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State or local regulations on volatileorganic compounds may restrict the useof methanol, a common windshield washerantifreeze additive. Washer fluidscontaining non-methanol antifreezeagents should be used only if they providecold weather protection without damagingthe vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades orwasher system.
DRAINING THE FUEL FILTER
WATER TRAP - 6.7L DIESEL
WARNING
Do not dispose of fuel in thehousehold refuse or the publicsewage system. Use an authorizedwaste disposal facility.
Your vehicle has a diesel fuel conditionermodule. The module is mounted betweenthe outboard side of the fuel tank and theframe rail.
Note:The module is at the front of the fueltank or at the front of the aft-axle fuel tankon some models.
You should drain water from themodule assembly whenever thewarning light illuminates or amessage appears in the informationdisplay advising you to drain the waterseparator. This occurs when approximately6.76 fl oz (200 ml) of water accumulatesin the module. If you allow the water levelto exceed this level, the water may passthrough to the engine and may cause fuelinjection equipment damage.
Draining the Diesel FuelConditioner Module
1. Switch the engine off.
2. Access the underside of your vehicle.
3. The diesel fuel conditioner module ison the left-hand frame rail.
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4. Drain the diesel fuel conditionermodule. Turn the drain plugcounterclockwise until it stops. Do notuse any tools to loosen the drain plug.Drain the filter, approximately0.5 gal(2 L), into an appropriate container.Do not re-use the fuel drained from themodule.
5.Tighten the drain plug, turn it clockwiseuntil it stops and you feel a strongresistance. Do not use any tools totighten the drain plug.
6. Switch the ignition on for 30 secondsand then switch the ignition off.Repeat this operation six times in a rowto purge any trapped air from the fuelsystem.
FUEL FILTER - 6.2L/6.8L
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetimefuel filter that is integrated with the fueltank. Regular maintenance or replacementis not needed.
CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY
WARNINGS
Batteries normally produce explosivegases which can cause personalinjury. Therefore, do not allowflames, sparks or lighted substances tocome near the battery. When working nearthe battery, always shield your face andprotect your eyes. Always provide correctventilation.
When lifting a plastic-cased battery,excessive pressure on the end wallscould cause acid to flow through thevent caps, resulting in personal injury anddamage to the vehicle or battery. Lift thebattery with a battery carrier or with yourhands on opposite corners.
Keep batteries out of reach ofchildren. Batteries contain sulfuricacid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes orclothing. Shield your eyes when workingnear the battery to protect against possiblesplashing of acid solution. In case of acidcontact with skin or eyes, flushimmediately with water for a minimum of15 minutes and get prompt medicalattention. If acid is swallowed, call aphysician immediately.
Battery posts, terminals and relatedaccessories contain lead and leadcompounds. Wash hands afterhandling.
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E226212

WARNINGS
This vehicle may be fitted with morethan one battery. Removing thebattery cables from only one batterydoes not disconnect your vehicle electricalsystem. Make sure you disconnect thebattery cables from all batteries whendisconnecting power. Failure to do so maycause serious personal injury or propertydamage.
Your vehicle is fitted with a Motorcraftmaintenance-free battery which normallydoes not require additional water.
When a battery replacement is required,you must use a recommendedreplacement battery that matches theelectrical requirements of the vehicle.
Note:After cleaning or replacing thebattery, make sure you reinstall the batterycover or shield.
Note:If you add electrical accessories orcomponents to the vehicle, it may adverselyaffect the low voltage battery performanceand durability. This may also affect theperformance of other electrical systems inthe vehicle.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep thetop of the battery clean and dry.
If you see any corrosion on the battery orterminals, remove the cables from theterminals and clean with a wire brush. Youcan neutralize the acid with a solution ofbaking soda and water.
Because your vehicle’s engine iselectronically controlled by a computer,some control conditions are maintainedby power from the battery. When thebattery is disconnected or a new batteryis installed, the engine must relearn its idleand fuel trim strategy for optimumdriveability and performance. Flexible fuelvehicles (FFV) must also relearn theethanol content of the fuel for optimumdriveability and performance.
To restore the settings, do the following:
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Shift into park (P) or neutral (N).
3. Switch off all accessories.
4. Press the brake pedal and start yourvehicle.
5. Run the engine until it reaches normaloperating temperature. While theengine is warming up, complete thefollowing: Reset the clock. See AudioSystem (page 441). Reset the powerwindows bounce-back feature. SeeWindows and Mirrors (page 95).Reset the radio station presets. SeeAudio System (page 441).
6.Allow the engine to idle for at least oneminute.
7.Drive the vehicle at least 10 mi (16 km)to completely relearn the idle trim andfuel trim strategy.
Note:If you do not allow the engine torelearn the idle and fuel trim strategy, theidle quality of your vehicle may be adverselyaffected until the engine computereventually relearns the idle trim and fueltrim strategy.
Note:For flexible fuel vehicles, if you areoperating on E85, you may experience poorstarts or an inability to start the engine anddriveability problems until the fuel trim andethanol content have been relearned.
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Maintenance