2018 FORD GT maintenance

Note:
Automotive fluids are not
interchangeable. Do not use coolant or
windshield washer fluid outside of its
specified function and vehicle location.
Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, cooling
system sealants or additives as they can
cause damage to the engine cooling or
heating systems. Resulting component
damage may not be covered by the vehicle
Warranty.
It is very important to use prediluted
coolant meeting the correct specification
in order to avoid plugging the small
passageways in the engine cooling system.
See Capacities and Specifications
(page 204). Do not mix different colors or
types of coolant in your vehicle. Mixing of
engine coolants or using an incorrect
coolant may harm the engine or cooling
system components and may not be
covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Note: Coolants marketed for all makes and
models may not meet Ford specifications
and may cause damage to the cooling
system. Resulting component damage may
not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
If the coolant level is at or below the
minimum mark, add prediluted coolant
immediately. Only check the coolant level
or add coolant when the system is cold.
To top up the coolant level do the
following:
1. Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure escapes as you unscrew the cap.
2. Add prediluted coolant meeting the correct specification. See
Capacities
and Specifications (page 204).
3. Add enough prediluted coolant to reach the correct level.
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 correct level.
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.
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 additives to
the coolant. These can be harmful and
compromise the corrosion protection of
the coolant.
Recycled Coolant
We do not recommend the use of recycled
coolant as an approved recycling process
is not yet available.
163
Ford GT (CGX), enUSA, Edition date: 201711, First Printing Maintenance

Dispose of used engine coolant in an
appropriate manner. Follow your
community
’s regulations and standards
for recycling and disposing of automotive
fluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
• It may be necessary to increase the
coolant concentration above 50%.
• A coolant concentration of 60%
provides improved freeze point
protection. Coolant concentrations
above 60% decrease the overheat
protection characteristics of the
coolant and may cause engine
damage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
• It may be necessary to decrease the
coolant concentration to 40%.
• A coolant concentration of 40%
provides improved overheat protection.
Coolant concentrations below 40%
decrease the freeze and corrosion
protection characteristics of the
coolant and may cause engine
damage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme
climates should use prediluted coolant for
optimum cooling system and engine
protection.
Coolant Change
At specific mileage intervals, as listed in
the scheduled maintenance information,
the coolant should be changed. Add
prediluted coolant meeting the correct
specification. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 204). Fail-Safe Cooling
Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarily
drive your vehicle before any incremental
component damage occurs. The fail-safe
distance depends on ambient
temperature, vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat, the
coolant temperature gauge moves toward
the red zone:
A warning lamp illuminates and
a message may appear in the
information display.
If the engine reaches a preset
over-temperature condition, the engine
automatically switches to alternating
cylinder operation. Each disabled cylinder
acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs, your vehicle still
operates, however:
• Engine power is limited.
• The air conditioning system turns off.
Continued operation increases the engine
temperature, causing the engine to
completely shut down. Your steering and
braking effort increases in this situation.
When the engine temperature cools, you
can re-start the engine. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated WARNINGS
Fail-safe mode is for use during
emergencies only. Operate your
vehicle in fail-safe mode only as long
as necessary to bring your vehicle to rest
in a safe location and seek immediate
repairs. When in fail-safe mode, your
164
Ford GT (CGX), enUSA, Edition date: 201711, First Printing Maintenance

WARNINGS
vehicle will have limited power, will not be
able to maintain high-speed operation, and
may completely shut down without
warning, potentially losing engine power,
power steering assist, and power brake
assist, which may increase the possibility
of a crash resulting in serious injury. Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap when the engine is running or
hot.
Your vehicle has limited engine power
when in the fail-safe mode, drive your
vehicle with caution. Your vehicle does not
maintain high-speed operation and the
engine may operate poorly.
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. Contact the Ford GT Concierge to obtain assistance. See About This
Manual (page 5).
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 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. 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).
165
Ford GT (CGX), enUSA, Edition date: 201711, First Printing Maintenance

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
If required, have an authorized dealer check
and change the transmission fluid at the
correct service interval. See Scheduled
Maintenance (page 274).
The automatic transmission does not have
a transmission fluid dipstick.
Refer to your scheduled maintenance
information for scheduled intervals for fluid
checks and changes. Your transmission
does not consume fluid. However, if the
transmission slips, shifts slowly or if you
notice a sign of leaking fluid, contact an
authorized dealer.
Do not use supplemental transmission
fluid additives, treatments or cleaning
agents. The use of these materials may
affect transmission operation and result
in damage to internal transmission
components. BRAKE FLUID CHECK WARNINGS
Do not use any fluid other than the
recommended brake fluid as this will
reduce brake efficiency. Use of
incorrect fluid could result in the loss of
vehicle control, serious personal injury or
death. Only use brake fluid from a sealed
container. Contamination with dirt,
water, petroleum products or other
materials may result in brake system
damage or failure. Failure to adhere to this
warning could result in the loss of vehicle
control, serious personal injury or death. Do not allow the fluid to touch your
skin or eyes. If this happens, rinse the
affected areas immediately with
plenty of water and contact your physician. A fluid level between the MAX and
MIN lines is within the normal
operating range and there is no need
to add fluid. A fluid level not in the normal
operating range could compromise the
performance of the system. Have your
vehicle checked immediately. 166
Ford GT (CGX), enUSA, Edition date: 201711, First Printing MaintenanceE244129

To avoid fluid contamination, the reservoir
cap must remain in place and fully tight,
unless you are adding fluid.
Only use fluid that meets Ford
specifications. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 204).
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
The hydraulic fluid reservoir is under the
hood. The fluid is used for power steering,
active aerodynamics and the active
hydraulic suspension. Keep the fluid level
between MIN and MAX marks as shown
on the reservoir. Note:
This procedure must be followed to
prevent over filling of the reservoir.
1. Start the engine and make sure that the steering wheel is at the straight
ahead position. Do not move the
steering wheel after this time.
2. Allow the engine to idle in Park for 2 minutes then shut the engine off.
3. After the engine has been off for 5 minutes, check the hydraulic fluid level
in the reservoir.
4. The MIN / MAX marks are on the front face of the reservoir. If the level is
above the MIN line on the reservoir DO
NOT add fluid. 5. If the level is below the MIN line, add
only enough fluid to bring the level to
a point between the MIN and MAX
lines.
6. DO NOT add fluid past the MAX line.
WASHER FLUID CHECK WARNING
If you operate your vehicle in
temperatures below 40°F (5°C), use
washer fluid with antifreeze
protection. Failure to use washer fluid with
antifreeze protection in cold weather could
result in impaired windshield vision and
increase the risk of injury or accident. Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level is
low. Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specifications. See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 204).
State or local regulations on volatile
organic compounds may restrict the use
of methanol, a common windshield washer
antifreeze additive. Washer fluids
containing non-methanol antifreeze
agents should be used only if they provide
cold weather protection without damaging
the vehicle ’s paint finish, wiper blades or
washer system.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime
fuel filter that is integrated with the fuel
tank. Regular maintenance or replacement
is not needed.
167
Ford GT (CGX), enUSA, Edition date: 201711, First Printing MaintenanceE248557

CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY
WARNING
Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after
handling. The Ford GT uses a lithium Ion battery.
The battery is located inside the right front
fender. For battery maintenance or
replacement, contact an authorized dealer.
When a battery replacement is required,
you must use a recommended
replacement battery that matches the
electrical requirements of the vehicle.
Note:
If you add electrical accessories or
components to the vehicle, it may adversely
affect the low voltage battery performance
and durability. This may also affect the
performance of other electrical systems in
the vehicle.
Because your vehicle ’s engine is
electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained
by power from the battery. When the
battery is disconnected or a new battery
is installed, the engine must relearn its idle
and fuel trim strategy for optimum
driveability 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 your vehicle. 5. Run the engine until it reaches normal
operating temperature. While the
engine is warming up, complete the
following: Reset the clock. See Audio
System (page 212). Reset the radio
station presets. See Audio System
(page 212).
6. Allow the engine to idle for at least one
minute.
7. Drive the vehicle at least 10 mi (16 km)
to completely relearn the idle trim and
fuel trim strategy.
Note: If you do not allow the engine to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy, the
idle quality of your vehicle may be adversely
affected until the engine computer
eventually relearns the idle trim and fuel
trim strategy.
Make sure that you dispose of old batteries
in an environmentally friendly way. Seek
advice from your local authority about
recycling old batteries.
Battery Charger and Maintainer
If you plan to have your GT parked for more
than two weeks without driving it, connect
the battery charger and maintainer
provided. This charger connects simply to
the jump start(+) and (-) posts as shown
in the illustration below.
168
Ford GT (CGX), enUSA, Edition date: 201711, First Printing Maintenance

1. Connect the positive (+) red cable to
the positive (B) post.
2. Connect the negative (-) black cable to the negative (A) post.
The battery charger and maintainer
charges the battery to a full charge and
then monitor the charge as the car sits. If
the battery charge level drops, the
maintainer turns on to keep the battery
fully charged. You can keep the car stored
with the charger and maintainer attached.
For further information on the charger, see
the instructions provided with the charger.
Note: If the battery state of charge has
dropped below 10.5 volts, the battery will
have gone into its under voltage protection
mode. If this has occurred, connect the
charger and press the reset button on the
charger for 10 seconds. this will wake up the
battery to allow it to receive a charge.
Note: The GT battery charger and
maintainer is designed for the Lithium
battery used on Ford GT. Use only this
device. A charger designed for a lead acid
battery may damage the lithium battery in
your GT. Battery Management System (If
Equipped)
The battery management system monitors
battery conditions and takes actions to
extend battery life. If excessive battery
drain is detected, the system temporarily
disables the electrical systems to protect
the battery.
Use the charger to bring the battery back
to full charge.
Electrical Accessory Installation
Note: If you add electrical accessories or
components to the vehicle, it may adversely
affect battery performance and durability.
This may also affect the performance of
other electrical systems in the vehicle.
CHECKING THE WIPER
BLADES Run the tip of your fingers over the edge of
the blade to check for roughness.
Clean the wiper blades with washer fluid
or water applied with a soft sponge or
cloth.
CHANGING THE WIPER
BLADES
Replacement blades are available at your
Ford dealer.
169
Ford GT (CGX), enUSA, Edition date: 201711, First Printing MaintenanceE235907 E142463

Note:
To avoid damaging the windshield,
lift the wiper blade a few inches off the
glass and place a cloth on the windshield
under the blade.
Note: Manually move the wiper blades to
the midway position.
Note: The windshield wiper blades are
different in length. The longer blade is on
the driver's side.
1. Disconnect the washer pipe from the wiper arm.
2. Press the release button on the top of the wiper arm where the blade
assembly attaches to the arm.
3. Pull the blade assembly away from the
arm, while rocking it from side to side
to help release it.
4. Keep the cloth in place to avoid the arm from hitting the windshield glass.
5. Install the new blade assembly and reconnect the washer pipe.
6. When complete, switch on the wipers and they will cycle back to the park
position when you switch them off.
Replace wiper blades at least once per
year for optimum performance. ADJUSTING THE HEADLAMPS
Headlamp Aim Target
8 ft (2.4 m).
A
Center height of lamp to ground.
B
25 ft (7.6 m).
C
Horizontal reference line.
D
Vertical Aim Adjustment
1. Park your vehicle on a level surface approximately 25 ft (7.6 m) away from
a vertical wall or screen.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Measure the height from the center of the headlamp to the ground.
Note: There may be an identifying mark on
the lens to help you locate the center of the
headlamp bulb.
4. Mark a horizontal reference line on the
vertical wall or screen that is a
minimum of
8 ft (2.4 m) long.
5. Switch the low beam headlamps on.
170
Ford GT (CGX), enUSA, Edition date: 201711, First Printing MaintenanceE233208 E142592