2021 FORD F-53 service

On Board Diagnostics Data Link
Connector
WARNING: Do not connect
wireless plug-in devices to the data link
connector. Unauthorized third parties
could gain access to vehicle data and
impair the performance of safety related
systems. Only allow repair facilities that
follow our service and repair instructions
to connect their equipment to the data
link connector.
Your vehicle has an OBD Data Link
Connector (DLC) that is used in
conjunction with a diagnostic scan tool for
vehicle diagnostics, repairs and
reprogramming services. Installing an
aftermarket device that uses the DLC
during normal driving for purposes such as
remote insurance company monitoring,
transmission of vehicle data to other
devices or entities, or altering the
performance of the vehicle, may cause
interference with or even damage to
vehicle systems. We do not recommend
or endorse the use of unapproved
aftermarket plug-in devices. The vehicle
Warranty will not cover damage caused
by an aftermarket plug-in device.
Notice to Owners of Pickup Trucks
and Utility Type Vehicles WARNING:
Utility vehicles have a
significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
Before you drive your vehicle, please read
this Owner ’s Guide carefully. Your vehicle
is not a passenger car. As with other
vehicles of this type, failure to operate this
vehicle correctly may result in loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury or death. Using Your Vehicle With a
Snowplow
Do not use this vehicle for
snowplowing.
Your vehicle does not have a snowplowing
package.
Using Your Vehicle as an
Ambulance
Do not use this vehicle as an
ambulance.
Your vehicle does not have the Ambulance
Preparation Package.
MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS
EQUIPMENT
WARNING:
Driving while
distracted can result in loss of vehicle
control, crash and injury. We strongly
recommend that you use extreme
caution when using any device that may
take your focus off the road. Your
primary responsibility is the safe
operation of your vehicle. We
recommend against the use of any
hand-held device while driving and
encourage the use of voice-operated
systems when possible. Make sure you
are aware of all applicable local laws
that may affect the use of electronic
devices while driving.
Using mobile communications equipment
is becoming increasingly important in the
conduct of business and personal affairs.
However, you must not compromise your
own or others’ safety when using such
equipment. Mobile communications can
enhance personal safety and security when
appropriately used, particularly in
emergency situations. Safety must be
paramount when using mobile
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2021 Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202010, Second-Printing Introduction

Cruise Control Indicator
Illuminates when you switch this
feature on. See What Is Cruise
Control (page 60).
Direction Indicator Illuminates when you switch the
left or right direction indicator or
the hazard flasher on. If the
indicators stay on or flash faster, check for
a burned out bulb.
Electronic Throttle Control Illuminates when the engine has
defaulted to a limp-home
operation. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Lamp Illuminates when the engine
coolant temperature is high.
Stop the vehicle as soon as
possible, switch off the engine and let cool.
Fasten Seatbelt Warning Lamp It illuminates and a chime
sounds until you fasten the
seatbelts.
Headlamp High Beam Indicator Illuminates when you switch the
high beam headlamps on. It will
flash when you use the
headlamp flasher. Hydromax
(If Equipped) If the light illuminates and
remains on when the key is in the
on position or the engine is
running, this indicates inadequate hydraulic
booster pressure or reserve pump system
failure. Stop the vehicle as soon as
possible and have your vehicle checked.
Lane Departure Warning Indicator
(If Equipped) Illuminates when the system
activates. See
Lane Keeping
System (page 70).
Low Fuel Level Warning Lamp Illuminates when the fuel level
is low or the fuel tank is nearly
empty. Refuel as soon as
possible.
Oil Pressure Warning Lamp If it illuminates with the engine
running or when you are driving,
this indicates a malfunction.
Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to
do so and switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level. See
Engine Oil Check
(page 116).
Parking Lamps Illuminates when you switch the
parking lamps on.
Service Engine Soon If it illuminates when the engine
is running this indicates a
malfunction. The On Board
Diagnostics system has detected a
malfunction of the vehicle emission control
system.
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2021 Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202010, Second-Printing Instrument ClusterE71340 E71880 E146190 E173233

If it flashes, engine misfire could be
occurring. Increased exhaust gas
temperatures could damage the catalytic
converter or other vehicle components.
Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy
acceleration and deceleration) and have
your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
It illuminates when you switch the ignition
on prior to engine start to check the bulb
and to indicate whether your vehicle is
ready for Inspection and Maintenance
(I/M) testing.
Normally, it illuminates until the engine is
cranked and automatically turns off if no
malfunctions are present. However, if after
15 seconds it flashes eight times, this
indicates that your vehicle is not ready for
Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) testing.
See Emission Law (page 46).
Stability Control Indicator (If Equipped) Flashes during operation.
If it does not illuminate when you switch
the ignition on, or remains on when the
engine is running, this indicates a
malfunction. Have your vehicle checked
as soon as possible.
Traction Control Indicator It flashes during a traction
control event.
If it does not illuminate when you switch
the ignition on, or remains on when the
engine is running, this indicates a
malfunction. Have your vehicle checked
as soon as possible.
Traction Control System Off Illuminates when you switch the
system off. Tow Haul Indicator Illuminates when you switch the
tow/haul feature on. If the light
flashes steadily, immediately
have the system serviced, damage to the
transmission could occur.
AUDIBLE WARNINGS AND
INDICATORS
Headlamps On Warning Chime
Sounds when you remove the key from the
ignition and open the driver's door and you
have left the headlamps or parking lamps
on.
Key in Ignition Warning Chime
Sounds when you open the driver's door
and you have left the key in the ignition.
Parking Brake On Warning Chime
Sounds when you have left the parking
brake on and drive your vehicle. If the
warning chime remains on after you have
released the parking brake, have the
system checked by your authorized dealer
immediately.
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2021 Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202010, Second-Printing Instrument ClusterE138639 E138639 E130458 E246592

Maintenance
Action
Message
Stop your vehicle as soon as safely possible and turn off the
engine. Check the oil level. If the warning stays on or continues to come on with your engine running, contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Low Engine Oil Pressure
The engine oil life remaining is 10% or less.
Change Engine Oil Soon
The oil life left is at 0%.
Oil Change Required
The brake fluid level is low, inspect the brake system immedi-ately. See Brake Fluid Check (page 124).
Brake Fluid Level Low
The brake system needs servicing. Stop your vehicle in a safeplace. Contact an authorized dealer.
Check Brake System
Your vehicle is still in Transport or Factory mode. This may
not allow some features to operate properly. See an author- ized dealer.
Transport / Factory
Mode Contact Dealer
The powertrain needs service due to a powertrain malfunction.
See Manual
Power Steering Action
Message
The power steering system detects a condition that requiresservice. See an authorized dealer.
Steering Fault Service
Now
The power steering system is not working. Stop your vehiclein a safe place. Contact an authorized dealer.
Steering Loss Stop
Safely
The power steering system detects a condition within the
power steering system or passive entry or passive start system requires service. Contact an authorized dealer.
Steering Assist Fault
Service Required
The steering lock system detects a condition that requiresservice. See an authorized dealer.
Steering Lock Malfunc-
tion Service Now
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2021 Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202010, Second-Printing Information Displays

Transmission
Action
Message
You switched the engine off and shift select lever is in anyposition other than park (P).
Shift to Park
Displays when the brake pedal needs to be depressed.
Press Brake Pedal
The transmission is overheating and needs to cool. Stop in asafe place as soon as it’ s possible.
Transmission Over
Temperature Stop Safely
See an authorized dealer.
Transmission Service
Required
The transmission is overheating and needs to cool. Stop in asafe place as soon as it’ s possible.
Transmission Too Hot
Press Brake
The transmission has limited functionality. See an authorized dealer.
Transmission Limited
Function See Manual
A reminder to shift into park. In addition, this message is typicalafter reconnecting or recharging the battery until you cycle
the ignition to the on mode. See Changing the 12V Battery (page 127).
Transmission Not in Park
See an authorized dealer.
Transmission Fault
Service Now
Displays when the transmission has adjusted the shiftstrategy.
Transmission Adjusted
Displays when the transmission is adjusting the shift strategy.
Transmission Adapt-
Mode
Transmission is too cold. Wait for it to warm up before you drive.
Transmission Warming
Up Please Wait
Displays when the transmission shift lever is locked and unable to select gears.
Transmission Indicat-
Mode Lockup On
Displays when the transmission shift lever is unlocked andfree to select gears.
Transmission Indicat-
Mode Lockup Off
The transmission is overheating and needs to cool. Stop in asafe place as soon as it’ s possible.
Transmission Over-
heating Stop Safely
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2021 Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202010, Second-Printing Information Displays

EMISSION LAW
WARNING: Do not remove or alter
the original equipment floor covering or
insulation between it and the metal floor
of the vehicle. The floor covering and
insulation protect occupants of the
vehicle from the engine and exhaust
system heat and noise. On vehicles with
no original equipment floor covering
insulation, do not carry passengers in a
manner that permits prolonged skin
contact with the metal floor. Failure to
follow these instructions may result in
fire or personal injury.
U.S. federal laws and certain state laws
prohibit removing or rendering inoperative
emission control system components.
Similar federal or provincial laws may
apply in Canada. We do not approve of any
vehicle modification without first
determining applicable laws. Tampering with emissions
control systems including
related sensors or the Diesel
Exhaust Fluid system can result in reduced
engine power and the illumination of the
service engine soon light. Tampering With a Noise Control
System
Federal laws prohibit the following acts:
•
Removal or rendering inoperative by
any person other than for purposes of
maintenance.
• Repair or replacement of any device or
element of the design incorporated into
a new vehicle for the purpose of noise
control prior to its sale or delivery to
the ultimate purchaser or while it is in
use.
• The use of the vehicle after any person
removes or renders inoperative any
device or element of the design.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
may presume to constitute tampering as
follows:
• Removal of hood blanket, fender apron
absorbers, fender apron barriers,
underbody noise shields or acoustically
absorptive material.
• Tampering or rendering inoperative the
engine speed governor, to allow engine
speed to exceed manufacturer
specifications.
If the engine does not start, runs rough,
experiences a decrease in engine
performance, experiences excess fuel
consumption or produces excessive
exhaust smoke, check for the following:
• A plugged or disconnected air inlet
system hose.
• A plugged engine air filter element.
• Water in the fuel filter and water
separator.
• A clogged fuel filter.
• Contaminated fuel.
• Air in the fuel system, due to loose
connections.
• An open or pinched sensor hose.
• Incorrect engine oil level.
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•
Incorrect fuel for climatic conditions.
• Incorrect engine oil viscosity for
climactic conditions.
Note: Some vehicles have a lifetime fuel
filter that is integrated with the fuel tank.
Regular maintenance or replacement is not
needed.
Note: If these checks do not help you
correct the concern, have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible.
Noise Emissions Warranty,
Prohibited Tampering Acts and
Maintenance
On January 1, 1978, Federal regulation
became effective governing the noise
emission on trucks over 10,000 lb
(4,536 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR). The preceding statements
concerning prohibited tampering acts and
maintenance, and the noise warranty
found in the Warranty Guide, are
applicable to complete chassis cabs over
10,000 lb (4,536 kg)
GVWR.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER WARNING:
Do not park, idle or
drive your vehicle on dry grass or other
dry ground cover. The emission system
heats up the engine compartment and
exhaust system, creating the risk of fire. WARNING:
The normal operating
temperature of the exhaust system is
very high. Never work around or attempt
to repair any part of the exhaust system
until it has cooled. Use special care when
working around the catalytic converter.
The catalytic converter heats up to a very
high temperature after only a short
period of engine operation and stays hot
after the engine is switched off. WARNING:
Exhaust leaks may
result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger
compartment. If you smell exhaust
fumes inside your vehicle, have your
vehicle inspected immediately. Do not
drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
Your vehicle has various emission control
components and a catalytic converter that
enables it to comply with applicable
exhaust emission standards.
To make sure that the catalytic converter
and other emission control components
continue to work properly:
• Do not crank the engine for more than
10 seconds at a time.
• Do not run the engine with a spark plug
lead disconnected.
• Do not push-start or tow-start your
vehicle. Use booster cables. See Jump
Starting the Vehicle
(page 94).
• Use only the specified fuel listed.
• Do not switch the ignition off when your
vehicle is moving.
• Avoid running out of fuel.
• Have the items listed in scheduled
maintenance information performed
according to the specified schedule.
Note: Your vehicle warranty does not cover
resulting component damage.
The scheduled maintenance items listed
in scheduled maintenance information are
essential to the life and performance of
your vehicle and to its emissions system.
If you use anything other than our parts for
maintenance replacements or for service
of components affecting emission control,
such aftermarket parts should be
equivalent to our genuine parts in
performance and durability.
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2021 Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202010, Second-Printing Engine Emission Control

Illumination of the service engine soon
indicator, charging system warning light or
the temperature warning light, fluid leaks,
strange odors, smoke or loss of engine
power could indicate that the emission
control system is not working properly.
An improperly operating or damaged
exhaust system may allow exhaust to
enter the vehicle. Have a damaged or
improperly operating exhaust system
inspected and repaired immediately.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to
your vehicle or engine. By law, vehicle
owners and anyone who manufactures,
repairs, services, sells, leases, trades
vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles
are not permitted to intentionally remove
an emission control device or prevent it
from working. Information about your
vehicle
’s emission system is on the Vehicle
Emission Control Information Decal
located on or near the engine. This decal
also lists engine displacement.
Please consult your warranty information
for complete details.
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle has a computer known as the
on-board diagnostics system (OBD-II) that
monitors the engine ’s emission control
system. The system protects the
environment by making sure that your
vehicle continues to meet government
emission standards. The OBD-II system
also assists a service technician in properly
servicing your vehicle. When the service engine soon
indicator illuminates, the OBD-II
system has detected a
malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may
cause the service engine soon indicator to
illuminate. Examples are: 1. Your vehicle has run out of fuel
—the
engine may misfire or run poorly.
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel —the engine may misfire or run
poorly.
3. The fuel fill inlet may not have closed properly. See Refueling (page 43).
4. Driving through deep water —the
electrical system may be wet.
You can correct these temporary
malfunctions by filling the fuel tank with
good quality fuel, properly closing the fuel
fill inlet or letting the electrical system dry
out. After three driving cycles without these
or any other temporary malfunctions
present, the service engine soon indicator
should stay off the next time you start the
engine. A driving cycle consists of a cold
engine startup followed by mixed city and
highway driving. You do not require
additional vehicle service.
If the service engine soon indicator remains
on, have your vehicle serviced at the first
available opportunity. Although some
malfunctions detected by the OBD-II may
not have symptoms that are apparent,
continued driving with the service engine
soon indicator on can result in increased
emissions, lower fuel economy, reduced
engine and transmission smoothness and
lead to more costly repairs.
Readiness for Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M) Testing
Some state and provincial and local
governments may have
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs
to inspect the emission control equipment
on your vehicle. Failure to pass this
inspection could prevent you from getting
a vehicle registration. If the service engine soon
indicator is on or the bulb does
not work, your vehicle may need
service. See On-Board Diagnostics.
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2021 Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202010, Second-Printing Engine Emission Control