2019 FORD F-450 overheating

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. 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 a higher
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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It is very important to use prediluted
coolant approved to the correct
specification to avoid plugging the small
passageways in the engine cooling system.
See Capacities and Specifications
(page 431). 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 be approved to our
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, immediately add
prediluted coolant.
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. Slowly unscrew the cap. Any pressure escapes as you unscrew the cap.
3. Slowly fill the coolant reservoir 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 you add coolant 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 and
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 431).
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.
In case of emergency, you can add a large
amount of water without prediluted
coolant in order to reach a vehicle service
location. On arrival do the following:
1. Drain the cooling system.
2. Chemically clean the cooling system. We recommend Motorcraft Premium
Cooling System Flush.
3. Refill with prediluted coolant as soon as possible.
Water alone, without prediluted 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.
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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.
Engine and Secondary Cooling
System Refill Procedure
Perform this procedure when refilling the
engine or secondary cooling systems after
it has been drained or become extremely
low:
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the
engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap. Slowly turn cap
counterclockwise until pressure begins
to release.
3. Step back when the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure
has been released, use the cloth to turn
the cap counterclockwise and then
remove it.
5. Slowly add prediluted engine coolant to the coolant reservoir until the
coolant level is within the minimum
and maximum range as listed on the
reservoir.
6. Reinstall the pressure relief cap.
7. Start and run the engine at 2000 rpm for 2 minutes.
8. Shut the engine off, and remove the pressure relief cap as previously
outlined.
9. If required, add prediluted engine coolant to the coolant reservoir until
the coolant level is within the minimum
and maximum range as listed on the
reservoir. 10.
Engine cooling system: Repeat steps
5 through 9 until the coolant level has
stabilized and is no longer dropping
after each step and the upper
radiator hose at the radiator is warm
to the touch, indicating that the
engine thermostat is open and
coolant is flowing through the
radiator.
11. Check the secondary cooling system.
Repeat steps 1 through 10 until the
coolant level has stabilized and is no
longer dropping after each step and
the lower passenger side of the
secondary radiator is warm to the
touch, indicating secondary
thermostat is open and coolant is
flowing through the entire system.
12. Check the coolant level in both systems before you drive your vehicle
the next few times.
13. If necessary, add prediluted engine coolant to the coolant reservoirs until
the coolant level is within the
minimum and maximum range as
listed on the reservoir. After you add
coolant, check the coolant
concentration.
Recycled Coolant
We do not recommend the use of recycled
coolant as an approved recycling process
is not yet available.
Dispose of used engine coolant in an
appropriate manner. Follow your
community ’s regulations and standards
for recycling and disposing of automotive
fluids.
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Type B
For vehicles equipped with 5-speed
transmissions, check the fluid at the
normal operating temperature of 151°F
(66°C) to 170°F (77°C) on a level surface.
For vehicles equipped with 6-speed
transmissions, check the fluid at the
normal operating temperature of 200°F
(93°C) to 210°F (99°C) on a level surface.
The normal operating temperature can be
reached after approximately
19 mi
(30 km).
High Fluid Level
Type A 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:
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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 338).
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.
You can drive high performance vehicles
in such a way that may lead to higher oil
consumption this includes extended time
at high engine speeds, high loads, engine
braking, hard cornering maneuvers, track
and off-road usage. Under these
conditions, oil consumption of
approximately 1 quart per 500 miles (1 liter
per 800 km) is possible. As a result, you
need to check the engine oil level at every
refueling and adjust to maintain proper
levels to avoid engine damage.
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.
We have recommended maintenance
intervals for various parts and component
systems based upon engineering testing.
We rely 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
our genuine or our authorized
re-manufactured replacement parts
engineered for your vehicle.
Additives and Chemicals
This owner's manual and our 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 our 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
Replace the accessory drive belt or belts if not replaced
within the last 100,000 mi (160,000 km)
Replace the front wheel bearings and seals if using non-
sealed bearings. Two-wheel drive vehicles.
Change axle(s) fluid. See exceptions.
Change transfer case fluid, if equipped.
Change the engine and secondary cooling system coolant,
if your vehicle has yellow-colored coolant. 4
At
200,000 mi
(320,000 km)
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.
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).
4 Initial replacement at ten years or 200,000 mi (320,000 km), then every five years or
100,000 mi (160,000 km).
Note: If your vehicle has orange-colored coolant and you add 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.
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.
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Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201804, Fourth-Printing Scheduled Maintenance

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. If your vehicle has orange-
colored coolant, 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: If your vehicle has orange-colored coolant and you add 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. If your vehicle has orange-
colored coolant, 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: If your vehicle has orange-colored coolant and you add 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. If your vehicle has orange-
colored coolant, 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: If your vehicle has orange-colored coolant and you add 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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Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201804, Fourth-Printing Scheduled Maintenance