2017 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY Owners Manual

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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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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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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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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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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If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•You can decrease the coolantconcentration to 40%.
•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 enginecoolant for optimum cooling system andengine protection.
Checking Coolant CorrosionInhibitor Additive Strength
At specific mileage intervals as listed in thescheduled maintenance informationchapter, the coolant corrosion inhibitoradditive should be checked. An informationmessage may display in the optionalinformation display at this time. Thepurpose of checking is to verify the correctengine coolant concentration (freeze pointprotection) and corrosion inhibitor additivelevel (strength) of the coolant formaximum engine performance andprotection.
Three products are available to confirmthe life and health of the coolant, one tool,a test kit and a coolant inhibitor additive:
•Robinair® Coolant and BatteryRefractometer 75240 –Recommended refractometer to testcoolant concentration. (Rotunda toolpart number: ROB75240).
•Rotunda 328-R071–ELC (AntifreezeCoolant ELC Contamination Kit) –Evaluates the corrosion inhibitoradditive strength. Note the first step isto verify the vehicle’s coolantconcentration is in the correct range of40 – 60%. Coolant concentrationsoutside this range will not provide validtest results. If the report results in apass, for example the cooling systemdoes not show excessivecontamination, the corrosion inhibitoradditive strength is sufficient, and noaction is required. If the report resultsas insufficient (does not pass), thecorrosion inhibitor additive strength ofthe coolant is too low. If the enginecooling system corrosion inhibitoradditive strength is low, add 47 fl oz(1.4 L) of Motorcraft Specialty OrangeEngine Coolant Revitalizer. If thesecondary cooling system corrosioninhibitor additive strength is low, add16 fl oz (0.47 L) of Motorcraft SpecialtyOrange Engine Coolant Revitalizer.
•Motorcraft Specialty Orange EngineCoolant Revitalizer – Additive toboost the corrosion inhibitor levelbased upon the test results of theAntifreeze Coolant ELC ContaminationKit. The Revitalizer may be added twotimes over the life of the coolant. Ifadditional dosages are required, thecooling system must be flushed andrefilled per the instructions in theWorkshop Manual.
Make sure to follow the proper coolant andadditive specifications. See Capacitiesand Specifications (page 415).
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Coolant Change
At specific mileage intervals, as listed inthe scheduled maintenance information,the coolant should be changed. Theinformation display may display a messageto change coolant at this time. Addprediluted coolant approved to the correctspecification. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 415).
Engine-driven Cooling Fan (FanClutch)
Your vehicle may have an engine drivencooling fan drive (also called a fan clutch).This fan drive changes the fan speed tomatch the vehicle’s changing cooling airflow requirements. Fan speed, fan noiselevel and fuel consumption all will increasebased on the driving conditions thatinclude trailer towing, hill climbing, heavyloads, high speed and high ambienttemperature, individually or in combination.
The fan drive is designed to provide theminimum fan speed (and resultingminimum fan noise and fuel consumption)required to meet the ever changing vehiclecooling air flow requirements. You will hearthe amount of fan noise increasing anddecreasing as the engine powerrequirements and vehicle driving conditionschange as you drive. This is to be expectedas being normal to the operation of yourvehicle. High levels of fan noise might alsobe heard when your engine is first started,and should normally decrease after drivingfor a short time.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
Have an authorized dealer check andchange the transmission fluid and filter atthe correct service interval. SeeScheduled Maintenance (page 573).
Do not use supplemental transmissionfluid additives, treatments or cleaningagents. The use of these materials mayaffect transmission operation and resultin damage to internal transmissioncomponents.
Checking Automatic TransmissionFluid
For scheduled intervals of the fluid checksand changes, See ScheduledMaintenance (page 573). Yourtransmission does not consume fluid.However, the fluid level should be checkedif the transmission is not working properly,i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowlyor if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expandswhen warmed. To obtain an accurate fluidcheck, drive the vehicle until it is at normaloperating temperature (approximately19 mi (30 km)). Verify that thetransmission fluid temperature gauge,located on the instrument cluster, is withinnormal range.
1. Drive the vehicle 19 mi (30 km)until itreaches normal operating temperature.
2.Park the vehicle on a level surface andengage the parking brake.
3.With the engine running, parking brakeengaged and your foot on the brakepedal, move the gearshift lever throughall of the gear ranges. Allow sufficienttime for each gear to engage.
4.Latch the gearshift lever in P and leavethe engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it cleanwith a clean, dry lint free rag. Ifnecessary, refer to the Under HoodOverview in this chapter for thelocation of the dipstick.
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6.Install the dipstick making sure it is fullyseated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect thefluid level. The fluid should be in thedesignated area for normal operatingtemperature or ambient temperature.
Low Fluid Level
Type A
Type B
Do not drive the vehicle if there is noindication of fluid on the dipstick and theambient temperature is above 50°F(10°C).
Correct Fluid Level
Type A
Type B
For vehicles equipped with 5-speedtransmissions, check the fluid at thenormal operating temperature of 151°F(66°C) to 170°F (77°C) on a level surface.For vehicles equipped with 6-speedtransmissions, check the fluid at thenormal operating temperature of 196°F(91°C) to 215°F (102°C) on a level surface.The normal operating temperature can bereached after approximately 19 mi(30 km).
High Fluid Level
Type A
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