2019 FORD F-53 engine overheat

Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
Indicates engine oil pressure. At normaloperating temperature, the level indicatoris in the normal range. If the pressure gaugefalls below the normal range, stop yourvehicle, switch off the engine and checkthe engine oil level. Add oil if needed. If theoil level is correct, have your vehiclechecked by an authorized dealer.
Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed. Vehicle speed islimited to either 65 mph (105 km/h) or75 mph (120 km/h).
Transmission Fluid TemperatureGauge
Normal area
The transmission fluid is within the normaloperating temperature (between H andC).
Yellow area
The transmission fluid is higher thannormal operating temperature. This canbe caused by special operation conditions(snowplowing, towing or off-road use).
To lower the transmission temperatureinto the normal range, alter the severity ofyour driving conditions. Operating thetransmission for extended periods with thegauge in the higher than normal area maycause internal transmission damage. If thegauge continues to show hightemperatures, see an authorized dealer.
Red area
The transmission fluid is overheating. Stopthe vehicle to allow the temperature toreturn to normal range.
If the gauge is operating in the yellow orred area, stop the vehicle and verify theairflow is not restricted such as snow ordebris blocking airflow through the grille.If the gauge continues to show hightemperatures, see your authorized dealer.
Engine Coolant TemperatureGauge
WARNING: Do not remove thecoolant reservoir cap when the coolingsystem is hot. Wait 10 minutes for thecooling system to cool down. Cover thecoolant reservoir cap with a thick clothto prevent the possibility of scalding andslowly remove the cap. Failure to followthis instruction could result in personalinjury.
Indicates engine coolant temperature. Atnormal operating temperature, the levelindicator is in the normal range. If theengine coolant temperature exceeds thenormal range, stop your vehicle as soon aspossible, switch off the engine and let theengine cool.
Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge indicates about how muchfuel is in the fuel tank.
The arrow adjacent to the fuel pumpsymbol indicates on which side of yourvehicle the fuel filler door is located.
Note:The fuel gauge may vary slightlywhen your vehicle is moving or on a slope.
Low Fuel Reminder
A low fuel level reminder displays andsounds when the distance to emptyreaches 50 mi (80 km),25 mi (40 km),10 mi (20 km) and 0 mi (0 km).
17
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Third-Printing-Instrument Cluster

•Stage 1 is a single chime when theengine temperature begins to overheat.
•Stage 2 is multiple chimes and enginepower becomes limited in order to helpcool the engine.
•Stage 3 is multiple chimes and theengine will shut down.
Headlamps On Warning Chime
Sounds when you remove the key from theignition and open the driver's door and youhave left the headlamps or parking lampson.
Key in Ignition Warning Chime
Sounds when you open the driver's doorand you have left the key in the ignition.
Parking Brake On Warning Chime
Sounds when you have left the parkingbrake on and drive your vehicle. If thewarning chime remains on after you havereleased the parking brake, have thesystem checked by your authorized dealerimmediately.
Shift to Park Warning Chime
Sounds when you open the driver's doorand your vehicle is not in park.
20
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Third-Printing-Instrument Cluster

Engine
ActionMessage
The engine is overheating. Stop your vehicle as soonas safely possible, turn off the engine. If the warningstays on followed by an indicator chime or continuesto come on, contact an authorized dealer as soon aspossible. Never remove the coolant reservoir cap whilethe engine is running or hot.
REDUCED ENGINE POWER
The engine is overheating. Stop your vehicle as soonas safely possible, turn off the engine. If the warningstays on followed by an indicator chime or continuesto come on, contact an authorized dealer as soon aspossible.
STOP ENGINE SAFELY
The engine coolant is overheating. Stop your vehicleas soon as safely possible, turn off the engine and letit cool. Check the coolant and coolant level. If thewarning stays on or continues to come on, contact anauthorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK ENGINE TEMPERATURE
A early reminder of a low fuel condition.FUEL LEVEL LOW
Maintenance
ActionMessage
The engine oil pressure is low. Check the level of theengine oil. If the oil level is OK and this warning persists,shut down the engine immediately and contact anauthorized dealer as soon as possible. See Engine OilCheck (page 95).
LOW OIL PRESSURE
The brake fluid level is low and the brake systemshould be inspected immediately. See Brake FluidCheck (page 102).
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW
The fuel cap is loose, not seated properly or off. Stopyour vehicle when convenient, turn off the engine andcheck that you inserted the fuel cap properly. Rotatethe cap until you hear a click. The warning messageswitches off after a proper drive cycle is completed.See Emission Law (page 34). If the warning messageremains on or continues to comes back on, see anauthorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK FUEL CAP
23
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Third-Printing-Information Displays

Transmission
ActionMessage
The transmission fluid is overheating. This warningmay appear when towing heavy loads or when drivingin a low gear at a high speed for an extended periodof time. Stop your vehicle as soon as safely possible,turn off the engine and let the transmission cool.
CHECK TRANS TEMPERATURE
A reminder to apply the brakes, then shift to park.SHIFT TO PARK
24
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Third-Printing-Information Displays

Brake-Shift Interlock
WARNING: Do not drive yourvehicle until you verify that thestoplamps are working.
WARNING: When doing thisprocedure, you need to take thetransmission out of park (P) whichmeans your vehicle can roll freely. Toavoid unwanted vehicle movement,always fully apply the parking brake priorto doing this procedure. Use wheelschocks if appropriate.
WARNING: If the parking brake isfully released, but the brake warninglamp remains illuminated, the brakesmay not be working properly. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.
Your vehicle is equipped with a brake-shiftinterlock feature that prevents moving thegearshift lever from park (P) when theignition is in the on position and the brakepedal is not pressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever outof park (P) position with the ignition in theon position and the brake pedal pressed,a malfunction may have occurred. It ispossible that a fuse has blown or yourvehicle’s brake lamps are not operatingproperly. See Fuse Specification Chart(page 71).
If the fuse is not blown and the brakelamps are working properly, the followingprocedure can allow you to move thegearshift lever from park (P):
1.Apply the parking brake. Turn key tothe lock position, and then remove thekey.
2.Disconnect the negative black batterycable from the battery.
3.Insert the key and turn to the offposition. Shift the transmission toneutral (N).
4.Reconnect the negative black batterycable to the battery.
5.Start the vehicle.
Note:See your authorized dealer as soonas possible if this procedure is used.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mudor Snow
Note:Do not rock your vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature ordamage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for morethan a minute or damage to thetransmission and tires may occur, or theengine may overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,you may rock it out by shifting betweenforward and reverse gears, stoppingbetween shifts in a steady pattern. Presslightly on the accelerator in each gear.
40
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Third-Printing-Transmission

Trailer Brakes
WARNING: Do not connect atrailer's hydraulic brake system directlyto your vehicle's brake system. Yourvehicle may not have enough brakingpower and your chances of having acollision greatly increase.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if youinstall them properly and adjust them tothe manufacturer's specifications. Thetrailer brakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
Separate functioning brake systemsare required for safe control of towedvehicles and trailers weighing morethan 1500 lb (680 kg) when loaded.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING: Never connect anytrailer lamp wiring to the vehicle's taillamp wiring; this may damage theelectrical system resulting in fire. Contactyour authorized dealer as soon aspossible for assistance in proper trailertow wiring installation. Additionalelectrical equipment may be required.
Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, direction indicators and hazard lightsare working.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi(800 km).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thegearshift in park (P) to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help airconditioning performance.
•Switch off the speed control withheavy loads or in hilly terrain. Thespeed control may turn offautomatically when you are towing onlong, steep grades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not apply thebrakes continuously, as they mayoverheat and become less effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with aGrade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, usethis feature when towing. This providesengine braking and helps eliminateexcessive transmission shifting foroptimum fuel economy andtransmission cooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping witha trailer attached. Anticipate stops andbrake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, ifyou must park on a grade:
1.Turn the steering wheel to point yourvehicle tires away from traffic flow.
54
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Third-Printing-Towing

BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires forapproximately 300 mi (480 km). Duringthis time, your vehicle may exhibit someunusual driving characteristics.
Avoid driving too fast during the first1,000 mi (1,600 km). Vary your speedfrequently and change up through thegears early. Do not labor the engine.
Do not tow during the first 1,000 mi(1,600 km).
REDUCED ENGINE
PERFORMANCE
WARNING: If you continue to driveyour vehicle when the engine isoverheating, the engine could stopwithout warning. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature gaugeneedle moves to the upper limit position,the engine is overheating. See Gauges(page 16).
You must only drive your vehicle for a shortdistance if the engine overheats. Thedistance you can travel depends onambient temperature, vehicle load andterrain. The engine continues to operatewith limited power for a short period oftime.
If the engine temperature continues to rise,the fuel supply to the engine reduces. Theair conditioning switches off and the enginecooling fan operates continually.
1.Gradually reduce your speed and stopyour vehicle as soon as it is safe to doso.
2.Immediately switch the engine off toprevent severe engine damage.
3.Wait for the engine to cool down.
4.Check the coolant level. See EngineCoolant Check (page 96).
5.Have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Your fuel economy is affected by severalthings, such as how you drive, theconditions you drive under, and how youmaintain your vehicle.
You may improve your fuel economy bykeeping these things in mind:
•Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,moderate fashion.
•Drive at steady speeds withoutstopping.
•Anticipate stops; slowing down mayeliminate the need to stop.
•Combine errands and minimizestop-and-go driving.
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
•Drive at reasonable speeds (travelingat 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15% lessfuel than traveling at 65 mph [105km/h]).
•Keep the tires properly inflated and useonly the recommended size.
•Use the recommended engine oil.
•Perform all regularly scheduledmaintenance.
Avoid these actions; they reduce your fueleconomy:
•Sudden accelerations or hardaccelerations.
•Revving the engine before turning it off.
•Idle for periods longer than one minute.
56
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Third-Printing-Driving Hints

2.Add prediluted coolant approved tothe correct specification. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page134).
3.Add enough prediluted coolant toreach the correct level.
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 correct level.
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.
In case of emergency, you can add a largeamount of water without engine coolantin order to reach a vehicle service location.In this instance, qualified personnel must:
•Drain the cooling system.
•Chemically clean the cooling system.
•Refill with engine coolant.
Water alone, without engine coolant, cancause engine damage from corrosion,overheating or freezing.
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 additives tothe coolant. These can be harmful andcompromise the corrosion protection ofthe coolant.
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 your community's regulations andstandards for recycling and disposing ofautomotive fluids.
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:
•You can decrease the coolantconcentration to 40%.
•Coolant concentrations below 40%decrease the freeze and corrosionprotection characteristics of thecoolant and may cause enginedamage.
98
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Third-Printing-Maintenance