2021 FORD F-450 check engine

If the engine reaches a preset
over-temperature condition, the engine
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 WARNING: 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 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. WARNING:
Do not remove the
coolant reservoir cap when the engine is
on or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10
minutes for the cooling system to cool
down. Cover the coolant reservoir cap
with a thick cloth to prevent the
possibility of scalding and slowly remove
the cap. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in personal injury. 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
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.
375
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Maintenance

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 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
Note:
Transmission fluid should be checked
by an authorized dealer. If required, fluid
should be added by an authorized dealer.
The automatic transmission does not have
a transmission fluid dipstick.
Have an authorized dealer check and
change the transmission fluid and filter at
the correct service interval. See your
scheduled maintenance information. Your
transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked
if the transmission is not working properly,
(i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts
slowly) or if you notice some sign of fluid
leakage.
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.
376
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Maintenance

1. Park your vehicle on a level surface.
2. Look at the brake fluid reservoir to see
where the brake fluid level is relative
to the MIN and the MAX marks on the
reservoir.
Note: If the brake fluid level is between the
MIN
and the MAX marks on the reservoir, it
is acceptable.
Note: If the brake fluid level is below the
MIN
mark or above the MAX mark, have
your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Note: To avoid fluid contamination, the
reservoir cap must remain in place and fully
tight, unless you are adding fluid.
Only use fluid that meets our
specifications. See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 441).
Brake Fluid Service Interval
Brake fluid absorbs water over time which
degrades the effectiveness of the brake
fluid. Change the brake fluid at the
specified intervals to prevent degraded
braking performance. For detailed interval information, see
Scheduled Maintenance in your Owner's
Manual or your local maintenance guide.
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
Check the power steering fluid. See
Scheduled Maintenance
(page 565). If
adding fluid is necessary, use only
MERCON LV ATF
Check the fluid level when it is at ambient
temperature.
1. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN and MAX
range. Do not add fluid if the level is
within this range.
2. If the fluid level is low, add fluid to bring
the fluid level up to between the MIN
and MAX range.
3. Switch the engine on.
4. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel left and right several times.
5. Switch the engine off.
6. Recheck the fluid level in the reservoir. Do not add fluid if the level is between
the MIN and MAX range.
7. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking the
level until it is between the MIN and
MAX range. For proper fluid type, See
Capacities and Specifications (page
441). Be sure to put the cap back on the
reservoir.
378
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- MaintenanceE170684

Engine-mounted Fuel Filter
Although the fuel system is not fully
pressurized when the vehicle is off, some
residual pressure may remain in the fuel
system since it can take some time for the
pressure to completely bleed off.
Therefore, we recommend you place an
absorbent cloth below the filter connectors
to absorb any fuel that may drain.
The engine-mounted fuel filter is a plastic
disposable cartridge.
Removal
1.
Disconnect the fuel lines by squeezing
the connector tabs and pulling the lines
straight off. 2.
Rotate the filter fully counterclockwise
until the peg is at the far end of the slot.
3. Pull the filter straight up from the bracket and discard the filter.
Note: No special air purge is necessary after
filter servicing. The fuel system purges the
air in the filters.
Installation
1. Install the new filter into the filter bracket. Turn the filter clockwise to
lock it in place.
2. Reconnect the fuel lines.
3. Switch the ignition on for 30 seconds and then switch the ignition off.
Repeat this operation six times in a row
to purge any trapped air from the fuel
system.
SPRING U-BOLT CHECK - F-
600
Check and tighten the U-bolt nuts after
your vehicle has been operated under load
for 1,000 mi (1,600 km) or six months,
whichever occurs first.
Check and tighten the U-bolt nuts every
37,000 mi (60,000 km)
.
389
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- MaintenanceE226215
1 E226214
2
3

Engine
•
Change the engine oil and filter prior to
storage because used engine oil
contains contaminates which may
cause engine damage.
• Start the engine every 15 days for a
minimum of 15 minutes. Run at fast
idle with the climate controls set to
defrost until the engine reaches normal
operating temperature.
• With your foot on the brake, shift
through all the gears while the engine
is running.
• We recommend that you change the
engine oil before you use your vehicle
again.
Fuel system
• Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the
fuel pump nozzle.
Cooling system
• Protect against freezing temperatures.
• When removing your vehicle from
storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm that there are no cooling
system leaks and that fluid is at the
recommended level.
Disconnecting Your 12 Volt Battery
• Check and recharge as necessary. Keep
connections clean.
• If storing your vehicle for more than 30
days without recharging the battery,
we recommend that you disconnect
the battery cables to maintain battery
charge for quick starting.
Note: It is necessary to reset memory
features if you disconnect the battery
cables. Brakes
•
Make sure the brakes and parking brake
release fully.
Tires
• Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
• Make sure all linkages, cables, levers
and pins under your vehicle are covered
with grease to prevent rust.
• Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m)
every 15 days to lubricate working parts
and prevent corrosion.
Removing Vehicle From Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of
storage, do the following:
• Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt
or grease film build-up on window
surfaces.
• Check windshield wipers for any
deterioration.
• Check under the hood for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage such as mice or squirrel
nests.
• Check the exhaust for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage.
• Check tire pressures and set tire
inflation per the Tire Label.
• Check brake pedal operation. Drive
your vehicle
15 ft (4.5 m) back and
forth to remove rust build-up.
• Check fluid levels (including coolant,
oil and gas) to make sure there are no
leaks, and fluids are at recommended
levels.
• If you remove the battery, clean the
battery cable ends and check for
damage.
400
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Vehicle Care

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER
Locating the Vehicle Identification
Number
The vehicle identification number is on the
left-hand side of the instrument panel.
Note:
In the illustration, XXXX is
representative of your vehicle identification
number.
Vehicle Identification Number
Overview
The vehicle identification number contains
the following information: World manufacturer identifier.
A
Brake system, gross vehicle
weight rating, restraint devices
and their locations.
B
Make, vehicle line, series, body
type.
C
Engine or motor type.
D
Check digit.
E
Model year.
F
Assembly plant.
G
Production sequence number.
H
473
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Vehicle IdentificationE311767 E142477

Less Cost to Properly Maintain Your
Vehicle
Ford Protect extended service plan also
offers a Premium Maintenance Plan that
covers all scheduled maintenance, and
selected wear items. The coverage is
prepaid, so you never have to worry about
the cost of your vehicle
’s maintenance.
Covered maintenance includes:
• Windshield wiper blades.
• Spark plugs.
• The clutch disc (if equipped).
• Brake pads and linings.
• Shock absorbers.
• Struts.
• Engine Belts.
• Engine coolant hoses, clamps and
o-rings.
• Diesel exhaust fluid replenishment (if
equipped).
• Cabin air filter replacement every
20,000 mi (32,000 km) (electric
vehicles only).
Interest Free Finance Options
Just a 5% down payment will provide you
with an affordable, no interest, no fee
payment program allowing you all the
security and benefits Ford Protect
extended service plan has to offer while
paying over time. You are pre-approved
with no credit check or hassles. To learn
more, call our Ford Protect extended
service plan specialists at 800-367-3377.
Ford Protect Extended Service Plan
P.O. Box 321067
Detroit, MI 48232 Ford Protect Extended Service
Plan (CANADA ONLY)
You can get more protection for your
vehicle by purchasing a Ford Protect
extended service plan. Ford Protect
extended service plan is the only service
contract backed by Ford Motor Company
of Canada, Limited. Depending on the plan
you purchase, Ford Protect extended
service plan provides benefits such as:
•
Rental reimbursement.
• Coverage for certain maintenance and
wear items.
• Protection against repair costs after
your New Vehicle Limited Warranty
Coverage expires.
• Roadside Assistance benefits.
There are several Ford Protect extended
service plans available in various time,
distance and deductible combinations.
Each plan is tailored to fit your own driving
needs, including reimbursement for towing
and rental. When you purchase Ford
Protect extended service plan, you receive
added peace-of-mind protection
throughout Canada, the United States and
Mexico, provided by a network of
participating authorized Ford Motor
Company dealers.
Note: Repairs performed outside of Canada
and the United States are not eligible for
Ford Protect extended service plan
coverage.
This information is subject to change. For
more information; visit your local Ford of
Canada dealer or www.ford.ca to find the
Ford Protect extended service plan that is
right for you.
564
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Ford Protect

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 356).
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.
566
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Scheduled Maintenance