2018 FORD F-450 overheating

Remember that the engine is capable of
automatically shutting down to prevent
engine damage. In this situation:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely
possible and switch the engine off.
2. If you are a member of a roadside assistance program, we recommend
that you contact your roadside
assistance service provider.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level. If the coolant level is at or below the minimum mark,
add prediluted coolant immediately.
5. When the engine temperature cools, you can re-start the engine. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible to
minimize engine damage.
Note: Driving your vehicle without repair
increases the chance of engine damage.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Management (If Equipped) WARNING
To reduce the risk of crash and injury,
be prepared that the vehicle speed
may reduce and the vehicle may not
be able to accelerate with full power until
the coolant temperature reduces. If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, the
engine may temporarily reach higher a
temperature during severe operating
conditions, for example ascending a long
or steep grade in high ambient
temperatures.
At this time, you may notice the coolant
temperature gauge moves toward the red
zone and a message may appear in the
information display. You may notice a reduction in vehicle
speed caused by reduced engine power in
order to manage the engine coolant
temperature. Your vehicle may enter this
mode if certain high-temperature and
high-load conditions take place. The
amount of speed reduction depends on
vehicle loading, grade and ambient
temperature. If this occurs, there is no
need to pull off the road. You can continue
to drive your vehicle.
The air conditioning may automatically
turn on and off during severe operating
conditions to protect the engine from
overheating. When the coolant
temperature decreases to the normal
operating temperature, the air conditioning
turns on.
If the coolant temperature gauge moves
fully into the red zone, or if the coolant
temperature warning or service engine
soon messages appear in your information
display, do the following:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely
possible and shift the transmission into
park
(P).
2. Leave the engine running until the coolant temperature gauge needle
returns to the normal position. After
several minutes, if the temperature
does not drop, follow the remaining
steps.
3. Switch the engine off and wait for it to
cool. Check the coolant level.
4. If the coolant level is at or below the minimum mark, add prediluted coolant
immediately.
5. If the coolant level is normal, restart the engine and continue.
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For vehicles with overflow coolant systems
with a non-pressurized cap on the coolant
recovery system, add coolant to the
coolant recovery reservoir when the engine
is cool. Add prediluted coolant to the
maximum level. For all vehicles which have
a coolant degas system with a pressurized
cap, or if it is necessary to remove the
coolant 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 pressure
escapes as you unscrew the cap.
3. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with prediluted engine coolant to within the
minimum and maximum range on the
engine coolant reservoir. If you
removed the radiator cap in an
overflow system, fill the radiator until
the coolant is visible and the radiator
is almost full. If coolant is added to
bring the level within the minimum and
maximum range when the engine is not
cold, the system may remain under
filled.
4. Replace the coolant reservoir cap, turn
it clockwise until you feel a strong
resistance.
5. Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir the next few times you drive
your vehicle. If necessary, add enough
prediluted engine coolant to bring the
coolant level to the proper level.
Note: If prediluted coolant is not available,
use the approved antifreeze concentrate
diluting it to 50/50 with distilled water. See
Capacities and Specifications (page 432).
Using water that has not been deionized
may contribute to deposit formation,
corrosion or plugging of the small cooling
system passageways. If you have to add more than 1.1 qt (1 L) of
engine coolant per month, have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Operating an engine with a low level of
coolant can result in engine overheating
and possible engine damage.
Note: During normal vehicle operation, the
coolant may change color from orange to
pink or light red. As long as the coolant is
clear and uncontaminated, this color change
does not indicate the coolant has degraded
nor does it require the coolant to be drained,
the system to be flushed, or the coolant to
be replaced.
Note: In case of emergency, you can add a
large amount of water without coolant in
order to reach a vehicle service location.
Water alone, without coolant, can cause
engine damage from corrosion, overheating
or freezing. When you reach a service
location, you must have the cooling system
drained, flushed and refilled using the
correct specification prediluted coolant or
antifreeze concentrate. See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 432).
Do not use the following as a coolant
substitute:
• Alcohol.
• Methanol.
• Brine.
• Any coolant mixed with alcohol or
methanol antifreeze.
Alcohol and other liquids can cause engine
damage from overheating or freezing.
Do not add extra inhibitors or non-specified
additives to the coolant. These can be
harmful and compromise the corrosion
protection of the coolant.
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Type B
Fluid levels above the safe range may
result in transmission failure. An overfill
condition of transmission fluid may cause
shift and engagement concerns, and
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an
overheating condition.
Adjusting Automatic Transmission
Fluid Levels
Note:
Use of a non-approved automatic
transmission fluid may cause internal
transmission component damage.
Before adding any fluid, make sure the
correct type is used. The type of fluid used
is normally indicated on: •
the dipstick handle.
• See Capacities and Specifications
(page 420).
If necessary, add fluid in
8 fl oz (250 ml)
increments through the filler tube until the
level is correct.
Type A Type B
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid should be
removed by a qualified technician.
Note:
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and engagement
concerns, and possible damage.
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When the oil change message appears in
the information display, it is time for an oil
change. Make sure you perform the oil
change within two weeks or 500 mi
(800 km) of the message appearing. Make
sure you reset the Intelligent Oil-Life
Monitor after each oil change. See
Oil
Change Indicator Reset (page 337).
If your information display resets
prematurely or becomes inoperative, you
should perform the oil change interval at
six months or
5,000 mi (8,000 km) from
your last oil change. Never exceed one year
or
10,000 mi (16,000 km) between oil
change intervals.
Your vehicle is very sophisticated and built
with multiple, complex, performance
systems. Every manufacturer develops
these systems using different
specifications and performance features.
That is why it is important to rely upon your
dealership to properly diagnose and repair
your vehicle.
Ford Motor Company has recommended
maintenance intervals for various parts
and component systems based upon
engineering testing. Ford Motor Company
relies upon this testing to determine the
most appropriate mileage for replacement
of oils and fluids to protect your vehicle at
the lowest overall cost to you and
recommends against maintenance
schedules that deviate from the scheduled
maintenance information.
We strongly recommend the use of only
genuine Ford, Motorcraft or
Ford-authorized re-manufactured
replacement parts engineered for your
vehicle. Additives and Chemicals
This owner's manual and the Ford
Workshop Manual list the recommended
additives and chemicals for your vehicle.
We do not recommend using chemicals or
additives not approved by us as part of
your vehicle
’s normal maintenance. Please
consult your warranty information.
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a
normal operating characteristic and, by
itself, does not necessarily indicate a
concern or that the fluid needs to be
changed. However, a qualified expert, such
as the factory-trained technicians at your
dealership, should inspect discolored fluids
that also show signs of overheating or
foreign material contamination
immediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle ’s oils and
fluids at the specified intervals or in
conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a
viable way to change fluid for many vehicle
sub-systems during scheduled
maintenance. It is critical that systems are
flushed only with new fluid that is the same
as that required to fill and operate the
system or using a Ford-approved flushing
chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Make sure you perform the following basic
maintenance checks and inspections every
month or at six-month intervals.
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Other maintenance items
1
Change axle(s) fluid. See exceptions.
Change transfer case fluid, if equipped.
1 You can perform these maintenance items within 3,000 mi (4,800 km) of the last oil
change. Do not exceed the designated distance for the interval.
Note: When adding coolant additive, do not exceed the specified maximum of
50 fl oz
(1.4 L) for the engine and 20 fl oz (473 ml) for the secondary cooling system. Operating the
engine with excessive coolant additive may cause overheating which could lead to severe,
permanent engine damage.
2 Perform follow-up inspections every
15,000 mi (24,000 km) after the initial inspection.
Replace the belt or belts at 150,000 mi (240,000 km).
3 Initial replacement is at six years or 105,000 mi (168,000 km), then every three years or
45,000 mi (72,000 km)
.
SPECIAL OPERATING
CONDITIONS SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE
Gasoline Engine
If you operate your vehicle primarily in any
of the following conditions, you need to
perform extra maintenance as indicated.
If you operate your vehicle occasionally
under any of these conditions, it is not
necessary to perform the extra
maintenance. For specific
recommendations, see your dealership
service advisor or technician. Towing a Trailer or Using a Car-top Carrier
Inspect and lubricate U-joints if equipped with grease
fittings.
Inspect frequently, service
as required
See axle maintenance items under
Exceptions.
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal
noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Every
5,000 mi (8,000 km)
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Towing a Trailer or Using a Car-top Carrier
Inspect the engine and secondary cooling system coolant
concentration (freeze-point protection) and additive
(corrosion inhibitor) strength. Add coolant additive if
necessary.
Every 30,000 mi
(48,000 km) or 1200 engine
hours
Flush and refill the coolant. Do not add coolant additive.
Every
60,000 mi
(96,000 km) or 2400
engine hours
Note: When adding coolant additive, do not exceed the specified maximum of
50 fl oz
(1.4 L) for the engine and 20 fl oz (473 ml) for the secondary cooling system. Operating the
engine with excessive coolant additive may cause overheating which could lead to severe,
permanent engine damage.
Note: After the initial coolant flush and fill at
60,000 mi (96,000 km) or 2400 engine
hours, flush and fill every 45,000 mi (72,000 km) or 1800 engine hours thereafter. Frequent or Extended Idling (Over 10 Minutes Per Hour of Normal Driving) or Frequent
Low-speed Operation if your Vehicle is Used for Stationary Operation
Change the engine oil and filter as indicated by the
information display, and perform the services listed in the
scheduled maintenance chart.
As required
Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel
filters.
Every
15,000 mi
(24,000 km), six months or
600 engine hours
Inspect the engine and secondary cooling system coolant
concentration (freeze-point protection) and additive
(corrosion inhibitor) strength. Add coolant additive if
necessary.
Every
30,000 mi
(48,000 km) or 1200 engine
hours
Flush and refill the coolant. Do not add coolant additive.
Every
60,000 mi
(96,000 km) or 2400
engine hours
Note: When adding coolant additive, do not exceed the specified maximum of
50 fl oz
(1.4 L) for the engine and 20 fl oz (473 ml) for the secondary cooling system. Operating the
engine with excessive coolant additive may cause overheating which could lead to severe,
permanent engine damage.
Note: After the initial coolant flush and fill at
60,000 mi (96,000 km) or 2400 engine
hours, flush and fill every 45,000 mi (72,000 km) or 1800 engine hours thereafter.
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Frequent Low-speed Operation, Consistent Heavy Traffic Under 25 mph (40 km/h) or
Long Rush-hour Traffic
Change the engine oil and filter as indicated by the
information display, and perform the services listed in the
scheduled maintenance chart.
As required
Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel
filters.
Every 15,000 mi
(24,000 km), six months or
600 engine hours
Inspect the engine and secondary cooling system coolant
concentration (freeze-point protection) and additive
(corrosion inhibitor) strength. Add coolant additive if
necessary.
Every
30,000 mi
(48,000 km) or 1200 engine
hours
Flush and refill the coolant. Do not add coolant additive.
Every
60,000 mi
(96,000 km) or 2400
engine hours
Note: When adding coolant additive, do not exceed the specified maximum of
50 fl oz
(1.4 L) for the engine and 20 fl oz (473 ml) for the secondary cooling system. Operating the
engine with excessive coolant additive may cause overheating which could lead to severe,
permanent engine damage.
Note: After the initial coolant flush and fill at
60,000 mi (96,000 km) or 2400 engine
hours, flush and fill every 45,000 mi (72,000 km) or 1800 engine hours thereafter. Sustained High-speed Driving at Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (Maximum Loaded Weight
for Vehicle Operation)
Change the engine oil and filter as indicated by the
information display, and perform the services listed in the
scheduled maintenance chart.
As required
Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel
filters.
Every
15,000 mi
(24,000 km), six months or
600 engine hours
Replace the wheel bearing grease and grease seals if using
non-sealed bearings. (Two-wheel drive vehicles)
Every
30,000 mi
(48,000 km)
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Sustained High-speed Driving at Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (Maximum Loaded Weight
for Vehicle Operation)
Inspect the engine and secondary cooling system coolant
concentration (freeze-point protection) and additive
(corrosion inhibitor) strength. Add coolant additive if
necessary.
Every 30,000 mi
(48,000 km) or 1200 engine
hours
Flush and refill the coolant. Do not add coolant additive.
Every
60,000 mi
(96,000 km) or 2400
engine hours
Note: When adding coolant additive, do not exceed the specified maximum of 48 fluid
ounces (1.4 liters) for the engine and 16 fluid ounces (473 ml) for the secondary cooling
system. Operating the engine with excessive coolant additive may cause overheating which
could lead to severe, permanent engine damage.
Note: After the initial coolant flush and fill at
60,000 mi (96,000 km) or 2400 engine
hours, flush and fill every 45,000 mi (72,000 km) or 1800 engine hours thereafter. Operating in Sustained Ambient Temperatures Below -9°F (-23°C) or Above 100°F (38°C)
Change the engine oil and filter as indicated by the
information display, and perform the services listed in the
scheduled maintenance chart.
As required
Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel
filters.
Every
15,000 mi
(24,000 km), six months or
600 engine hours
Replace the wheel bearing grease and grease seals if using
non-sealed bearings. (Two-wheel drive vehicles)
Every
30,000 mi
(48,000 km) Operating in Dusty or Sandy Conditions (Such as Unpaved or Dusty Roads)
Rotate the tires1
, inspect the tires for wear and measure
tread depth.
Every
7,500 mi (12,000 km)
Inspect the brake system pads and rotors.
Inspect the air filter restriction gauge. Replace the filter if
necessary.
Inspect the steering and suspension ball joints and tie rods.
Lubricate any grease fittings.
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