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. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
The transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked
if the transmission is not working properly,
for example if the transmission slips, shifts
slowly or if there are signs of fluid loss.
The transmission fluid and filter on your
vehicle must be replaced at the specified
service interval. See
Scheduled
Maintenance (page 320).
Automatic transmission fluid expands
when warmed. To check the fluid level
consistently and accurately, do the
following:
1. Drive the vehicle until it reaches normal
operating temperature. This may take
up to
20 mi (30 km).
2. Make sure that your vehicle is on level ground.
3. With the engine running, parking brake
engaged and your foot on the brake
pedal, move the gearshift lever through
all of the gear ranges. Allow sufficient
time for each gear to engage.
4. Make sure the parking brake is on. Make
sure the transmission is in park (P) or
neutral (N) and leave the engine
running.
5. Open the hood. See
Opening and
Closing the Hood (page 186).
6. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean, lint-free cloth. See
Under
Hood Overview (page 189).
7. Replace the dipstick and remove it again to check the fluid level.
8. If the fluid level is correct, replace the dipstick and make sure it is fully seated.
Note: If the fluid level is between the
maximum and minimum marks, the fluid
level is acceptable. Do not add fluid.
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2. Remove the clips that secure the air
filter housing cover. Push the air filter
cover forward (away from you) and up
slightly to release it.
3. Remove the air filter element from the
air filter housing. 4. Remove and install a new foam filter
if needed according to the service
interval indicated in the scheduled
maintenance information in this guide.
If you do not replace the foam filter, be
sure the existing foam filter is in place. 5. Install a new air filter element. Be sure
that the groove seal on the pleated
paper filter traps both sides of the
vertical partition of the air box.
6. Engage the clips to secure the air filter housing cover to the air filter housing.
Be careful not to crimp the filter
element edges between the air filter
housing and cover. Ensure that you
align the tabs on the edge properly into
the slots.
7. Reconnect the mass airflow sensor electrical connector to the inlet tube.
Make sure the locking tab on the
connector is in the locked position.
Air Purge Procedure
Turn the key on for 30 seconds, and then
turn off. Repeat the procedure six times.
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Regular fuel filter changes are an
important part of engine maintenance;
failing to keep with the scheduled
maintenance could lead to engine
performance issues and fuel injection
system damage. See Scheduled
Maintenance (page 320).
Use only recommended service parts
conforming to specifications. See
Motorcraft Parts
(page 257).
Note: Using fuel that has high levels of
impurities may require more frequent filter
replacements than the service interval
specifies.
Diesel Fuel Conditioner Module
Filter
Removal
1. Access the underside of your vehicle. 2. The diesel fuel conditioner module is
on the left-hand frame rail. 3. Drain the diesel fuel conditioner
module. Turn the drain plug
counterclockwise until it stops. Do not
use any tools to loosen the drain plug.
Drain the filter, approximately
0.5 gal
(2 L), into an appropriate container.
Do not re-use the fuel drained from the
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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. Your vehicle is equipped with
non-asbestos brake linings. However,
exposure to excessive amounts of brake
material (whether asbestos or
non-asbestos, fiberglass, mineral wool,
aramid or carbon) may be a serious health
hazard. Air Brakes WARNING
Do not manually adjust the
automatic slack adjusters to correct
excessive push rod stroke as it may
result in reduced brake effectiveness and
a vehicle crash. Excessive push rod stroke
indicates that a problem exists with the
automatic adjuster, with the installation
of the adjuster, or with foundation brake
components that manual adjustment does
not remedy. Seek service from a qualified
facility for excessive push rod stroke. Inspection and Adjustment
Establish a regular schedule for periodic
cleaning, lubrication and adjustment
inspection based on vehicle use. Exact
maintenance intervals are difficult to
predetermine due to vehicle applications
and operating conditions. If you are
uncertain of the proper schedule for your
vehicle, contact an authorized dealer.
Regular inspections should include:
•
Periodic checking (every service
interval) of push rod travel or brake
adjustment. This is essential for
effective braking. Brake chamber push
rods on original equipment chambers
now incorporate an orange paint
marker near the base of the push rod
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as a stroke indicator to aid in
adjustment checks. If the push rod is
clean and the brakes are out of
adjustment, you can see the orange
marker protruding from the chamber
when the brakes are applied.
• Checking the brake lining (every service
interval). When brake linings or blocks
wear within 0.063 in (1.6 mm) they
must be replaced.
• Periodic checking (every service
interval) of the air compressor filter.
Check the filter minder and when the
indicator is near or on the red line
marked
Service, replace the filter and
reset the service filter minder.
Do not back off or disconnect the front
brakes so that they are less effective,
letting the rear brakes do all the stopping
of your vehicle. Do not overlook the brakes
on the trailer either. Brake condition on the
trailer is just as important as the tractor.
Proper brake balance on trucks and
tractor-trailers is essential for effective
braking.
Once a year, inspect the entire brake
system:
• Rubber components for deterioration.
A qualified technician should inspect
these components and replace them
as necessary. Replacement intervals
vary according to the severity and
length of vehicle service.
• Condition of brake drums, brake
chambers and slack adjusters.
• System for air leaks.
• Hose or pipes for rust, damage and
deterioration.
• Operation of service and parking
brakes.
Periodically inspect parts such as air brake
chamber diaphragm, air compressor and
air cleaner. Replace any parts if you can
consider them unserviceable. Air Dryer
Climactic conditions affect performance
of desiccant or after-cooler type air dryers.
You must establish a maintenance
schedule for each specific operation.
The use of an air dryer on a vehicle does
not eliminate the need to drain the air
reservoirs periodically.
Inspect for moisture in the air system by
opening reservoirs, draincocks or valves
and checking for presence of water. The
presence of small amounts of water due
to condensation is normal and is not an
indication that the dryer is not functioning
properly.
Replace or rebuild the desiccant cartridge
when you determine that the desiccant is
contaminated and does not have adequate
water absorption capacity. The desiccant
change interval may vary. A general
recommendation is to replace the
desiccant every 12 months (yearly). If
experience has shown that extended or
shortened life has resulted for a particular
installation, then the yearly interval can be
increased or decreased accordingly.
Draining the Air Brake Reservoir
WARNING
Failure to drain air brake reservoirs
can result in a reduction or loss of
braking ability due to fluid
accumulation in the reservoir and/or
possible freeze-up during cold weather. Completely drain all the air brake reservoirs
daily by opening the draincock at the ends
of the tanks. (Where accessible.
Pull-chains are used when the drains are
undercab or otherwise inaccessible.) Close
the draincock after draining. Manually drain
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any air tanks equipped with automatic
moisture ejector valves, as required, to
maintain a dry air system. Contact an
authorized dealer if you are unsure of the
air reservoir locations or the draining
procedure.
Hydraulic Brakes
Establish a regular schedule for periodic
cleaning, lubrication and adjustment
inspection based on vehicle use. Exact
maintenance intervals are difficult to
predetermine due to vehicle applications
and operating conditions. If you are
uncertain of the proper schedule for your
vehicle, contact an authorized dealer.
Regular inspections should include:
•
Checking the brake lining (every service
interval). Establish inspection intervals
that provide for lining replacement
before damage to the disc occurs.
Excessive lining wear may expose the
backing plate to the disc causing
scoring of the disc faces. A qualified
technician should perform this inspection and keep to instructions
provided by the service manual.
Hydraulic brake systems are
power-assisted. There is a great
reduction in braking capabilities
without engine assist.
• Proper fluid level. The level should be
at the bottom edge of the ring on each
reservoir fill port. Do not fill the master
cylinder to the top of the reservoir. If
fluid level requires attention to
maintain a proper master cylinder level,
this is an indication of either severe
operation (pad wear) or fluid leakage.
A more frequent and thorough brake
inspection is required.
• Brake lines, hoses and fittings. Repair
or replace brake line tubes, hoses or
fittings as required. Inspect these
components every 4,000 mi
(6,000 km) for the following.
• Lines for kinks, dents, corrosion or
rupture.
• Hoses for abrasions, kinks, soft
spots or rupture, collapse, cracks,
twists or loose frame supports.
When replacing a hose, be sure
there is adequate clearance to the
hose to avoid an abrasion to the
new hose.
• All connections for leaks.
Driveline Parking Brake WARNING
Use wheel chocks and exercise
caution when inspecting under the
vehicle. A vehicle roll-away could
result in property damage, personal injury
or death. A qualified technician should adjust the
parking brake and keep to the instructions
in the service manual.
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•
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. •
For proper suspension alignment.
Maintain proper alignment at all times.
• U-bolts. After the chassis has been
operating under load for
1,000 mi
(1,600 km) or six months (whichever
comes first), the U-bolt nuts must be
re-torqued. Re-torque the U-bolt nuts
every
37,000 mi (60,000 km)
thereafter. Clean and lubricate the
U-bolt and nut threads and seats to
make sure a like new condition when
re-torqueing. See
Spring U-Bolt
Check (page 228).
FRAME AND TOW HOOK
INSPECTION
Your vehicle's chassis is manufactured
with frame rails of either HSLA steel or
heat-treated steel. Handle each in a
specific manner to make sure maximum
service life. Consult the service manual or
an authorized dealer before attempting
frame repair or modification.
It is important, particularly on vehicles that
use tow hooks frequently, to inspect the
front and rear tow hooks for damage or a
loose mounting.
REAR AXLE FLUID CHECK
Your rear axle may have an optional
synthetic lubricant that allows the use of
extended service intervals. A tag on the
filler plug identifies the use of the synthetic
lubricant.
Only use a lubricant that meets
manufacturer specifications. Only use a
lubricant that meets manufacturer
specifications. Use of a non-approved rear
axle lubricant may cause internal axle
component damage. See Capacities and
Specifications
(page 269).
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•
Reduced engine performance.
• Reduced fuel economy.
• Degraded brake performance.
Note: An engine block heater is
recommended at temperatures below
– 10°F (– 23°C).
Engine Oil Specifications
The use of correct oil viscosities for diesel
engines is important for satisfactory
operation. Determine which oil viscosity
best suits the temperature range you
expect to encounter for the next service
interval from the following SAE viscosity
grade chart. 268
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