Engine compartment (with engine off)
Inspect for glazing, fraying or cracking. There should be no
more than 5-7 cracks per rib, per 1 in (2.5 cm)
Belts (fan, alternator,
water pump and air
conditioning
compressor)
Inspect for signs of fluid puddles or dripping fluid on the
ground under the engine, or the underside of the engine.
Fluid leaks
Inspect for debris that may have collected on the HVAC air
inlet grille or inside the exterior module as this may reduce
system performance.
HVAC air inlet Engine starting (with parking brake applied)
Before entering the cab, verify that the vehicle is equipped
with spare electrical fuses (if used), three red reflective
triangles, a properly charged and rated fire extinguisher and
wheel chocks.
Safety and emergency
equipment
Walk around the vehicle and verify all steps and grab handles,
inside and out (as well as behind), are tight and clean. Use
extreme caution and a three-point stance at all times.
Inspect door latches for proper closing, latching and locking.
Set the parking brake. Make sure the gearshift lever is in
neutral (N) or park (P) (if equipped with a park position).
Starting the engine
Diesel engine:
Turn the key to the on position. Turn the key
to start when the wait to start indicator light in the instrument
cluster turns off.
Gasoline engine:
Turn the key to start, and then release it
as soon as the engine starts.
Verify pressure builds to normal operating range.
Engine oil pressure
A tone indicating low air pressure should sound immediately
after the engine starts but before the compressor has built-
up pressure. The tone should stop when the air pressure
reaches
70 psi (483 kPa). Let the air pressure build to
governed cutout pressure, which should occur between
115– 130 psi (793–896 kPa)
.
Low air pressure warning
tone (if equipped with an
air compressor)
Press the accelerator and verify that it operates smoothly,
without any binding or irregular feel. Release the pedal and
verify the engine returns to idle speed immediately.
Accelerator
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Rear brakes
Inspect for cracked, worn or frayed hoses, and that all coup-
lings are secure.
Hoses
Verify that there are no cracks or dents, and that the cham-
bers are securely mounted.
Brake chambers
Inspect for broken, loose or missing parts.
Slack adjusters
Note: The angle between the push rod and adjuster arm
should be approximately 90 degrees when the brakes are
applied. When pulled by hand, the push rod should not move
more than approximately
1 in (2.5 cm).
Verify that there are no cracks, dents, holes, and no loose or
missing bolts and that the brake linings are not worn,
dangerously thin or contaminated by lubricant.
Drums Rear wheels
Check for even separation of dual wheels, and that the tires
are not touching each other.
Spacers
Inspect for damaged or bent rims. They should not have
welding repairs, and there should be no rust trails, which
indicate it is loose on the wheel.
Rims
Verify all lug nuts are present and not loose (look for rust
trails around the lug nuts). There should be no cracks radiating
from the lug bolt holes or distortion of the bolt holes.
Lug nuts
Trailer
If you are pulling a trailer, perform an
inspection of the trailer similar to that of
the tractor. The inspection should follow
trailer manufacturer recommendations
and should include at a minimum: general
condition, landing gear, doors, sides, lights,
reflectors, suspension, brakes, tires,
wheels, cargo placement, stability and
tie-downs. Transmission WARNING:
If the unit starts in gear
and/or the neutral start switch is not
functioning correctly, the vehicle may
inadvertently move which could result
in property damage, personal injury or
death.
Regularly inspect the transmission's
neutral start switch. The engine should
only start in neutral (N) or park (P) (if
equipped with a park position).
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From the main menu scroll to:
Action and Description
Message
Press the down arrow
button, then from this menu
scroll to the following
message.
Truck Info
Press the OK button.
Mainten-
ance
Monitor
Press the down arrow
button, then from this menu
scroll to the following
message.
Oil Life:
xxx%
Press the
OK button.
Oil Life
Press and hold the
OK
button until the instrument
cluster displays the
following message.
Oil Life
Hold OK to
Reset
Oil Life: 100%
When the oil change indic-
ator resets, the instrument
cluster displays 100%.
Repeat the process if the oil
change indicator does not
reset.
CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR
FILTER - 6.7L DIESEL
Air Filter Restriction Gauge WARNING:
To reduce the risk of
vehicle damage and personal burn
injuries, do not start your engine with the
air cleaner removed and do not remove
it while the engine is running. Note:
Operating your vehicle in heavy
snowfall or extreme rain conditions may
allow excessive amounts of snow or water
into the air intake system. This could plug
or soak the air filter and cause the engine to
lose power or shut down. The restriction gauge, on the upper housing
of the air filter assembly, measures the
vacuum inside the air filter. The more the
air filter is dirty or clogged, the higher the
vacuum reading.
Check the air filter restriction gauge
whenever you open the hood to perform
general engine maintenance or at least
every 7,500 mi (12,000 km). If you operate
your vehicle in extremely dusty conditions,
check and reset the gauge at least every
500 mi (800 km), or two weeks, whichever
comes first. Change the air filter when the
restriction gauge reads near the change
filter line and the gauge is yellow. If you
allow the restriction gauge to reach
maximum restriction, you can affect your
engine performance and fuel economy.
Note:
Do not blow out the air filter element
with compressed air since the compressed
air could damage the filter paper.
Note: Do not rely on filter appearance
alone. A filter which appears to be dirty may
have several thousand miles (kilometers)
of life remaining.
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2. Remove the clips that secure the air
filter housing cover. Push the air filter
cover forward and away from you when
pulling up slightly to release it.
3. Remove the air filter element from the
air filter housing. 4. Remove and install a new foam filter,
if needed. See Scheduled
Maintenance (page 319). If you do not
replace the foam filter, be sure the
existing foam filter is in place. 5.
Install a new air filter element. Be sure
that the groove seal on the pleated
paper filter traps both sides of the
vertical partition of the air box. 6. Engage the clips to secure the air filter
housing cover to the air filter housing.
Be careful not to crimp the filter
element edges between the air filter
housing and cover. Ensure that you
align the tabs on the edge properly into
the slots.
7. Reconnect the mass airflow sensor electrical connector to the inlet tube.
Make sure the locking tab on the
connector is in the locked position.
CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR
FILTER - 7.3L WARNING:
To reduce the risk of
vehicle damage and personal burn
injuries, do not start your engine with the
air cleaner removed and do not remove
it while the engine is running.
Note: Operating your vehicle in heavy
snowfall or extreme rain conditions may
allow excessive amounts of snow or water
into the air intake system. This could plug
or soak the air filter, and cause the engine
to lose power or shut down.
When replacing the air filter element, use
a Motorcraft® air filter element. See
Motorcraft Parts
(page 283).
Note: Failure to use the correct air filter
element may result in severe engine
damage, and may void the vehicle warranty.
Change the air filter element at the correct
interval. See
Scheduled Maintenance
(page 319).
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5. Remove the clips that secure the air
filter housing cover. Push the air filter
cover toward the center of the vehicle
and up slightly to release it.
6. Remove the air filter element from the
air filter housing.
7. Install the new air filter element.
8. Engage the clips to secure the air filter housing cover to the air filter housing.
Be careful not to crimp the filter
element edges between the air filter
housing and cover. Ensure that you
align the tabs on the edge properly into
the slots.
9. Slip the air tube onto the air filter housing and tighten the air-tube clamp
bolt snugly. Do not over tighten
air-tube clamp bolt. 10. Reconnect the mass air flow sensor
electrical connector to the outlet
tube. Make sure the locking tab on
the connector is in the locked
position. DRAINING THE FUEL FILTER
WATER TRAP - 6.7L DIESEL
Your vehicle is equipped with a diesel fuel
conditioner module located on the
frame-rail under the driver-side floorboard
near the transmission. You should drain water from the
module assembly whenever the
warning light comes on and the
message center directs you to drain the
water separator. This will occur when
approximately 8.45 fl oz (250 ml) of water
accumulates in the module. If you allow
the water level to exceed this level, the
water may pass through to the engine and
may cause fuel injection equipment
damage.
Draining the Diesel Fuel
Conditioner Module (DFCM) WARNING: Do not drain the
water-in-fuel separator while the engine
is running. Failure to follow this warning
may result in fire, serious injury, death or
property damage.
Note: If you drain the diesel fuel conditioner
module while the system is running air will
enter into the fuel system. The engine will
not operate properly if air enters the system.
Note: With fuel tank levels above 3⁄4 tank
it may be necessary to loosen the bowl three
turns before opening the drain. This will
actuate an anti-siphon valve at the fuel and
water separator inlet and prevent the fuel
from siphoning out of the tank.
Note: A loose drain valve can allow air to
enter the fuel system and cause drivetrain
issues. The engine will not operate properly.
Be sure that you fully tighten the drain valve.
1. Stop your vehicle and shut off the engine.
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2. Locate the diesel fuel conditioner
module and place an appropriate
container under the drain port. 3.
Rotate the drain counterclockwise until
the O-ring is visible. Allow the diesel
fuel conditioner module to drain for
approximately 25 seconds or until
clean fuel is observed. Rotate the drain
clockwise to tighten it. If no liquid
drains, there may be a clog in the drain.
Have the conditioner module serviced
by an authorized dealer.
4. Make sure that you fully tighten the drain valve and then remove the
container from under your vehicle.
5. Restart the engine. If the Water in Fuel
Drain Filter message and light
continues to illuminate, have the fuel
system checked and repaired. ENGINE COOLANT CHECK -
7.3L 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. WARNING:
Do not put coolant in
the windshield washer reservoir. If
sprayed on the windshield, coolant could
make it difficult to see through the
windshield. WARNING:
To reduce the risk of
personal injury, make sure the engine is
cool before unscrewing the coolant
pressure relief cap. The cooling system
is under pressure. Steam and hot liquid
can come out forcefully when you loosen
the cap slightly. WARNING:
Do not add coolant
further than the MAX mark.
When the engine is cold, check the
concentration and level of the coolant at
the intervals listed in the scheduled
maintenance information. See Scheduled
Maintenance
(page 319).
Note: Make sure that the coolant level is
between the
MIN and MAX marks on the
coolant reservoir.
Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. The
level may extend beyond the
MAX mark.
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Coolant Change
Change the coolant at specific mileage
intervals as listed in the scheduled
maintenance information. The information
display may display a message to change
coolant at this time. Add prediluted
coolant approved to the correct
specification. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 281).
Engine-driven Cooling Fan (Fan
Clutch)
Your vehicle comes with an engine driven
cooling fan drive, also called a fan clutch.
This fan drive changes the fan speed to
match the vehicle ’s changing cooling air
flow requirements. Fan speed, fan noise
level and fuel consumption all will increase
based on the driving conditions that
include trailer towing, hill climbing, heavy
loads, high speed and high ambient
temperature, individually or in combination.
The fan drive is designed to provide the
minimum fan speed, and resulting
minimum fan noise and fuel consumption
required to meet the ever changing vehicle
cooling air flow requirements. You will hear
the amount of fan noise increasing and
decreasing as the engine power
requirements and vehicle driving conditions
change as you drive. This is to be expected
as being normal to the operation of your
vehicle. High levels of fan noise might also
be heard when your engine is first started,
and should normally decrease after driving
for a short time.
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
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
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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.
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:
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