2023 FORD E SERIES warning

When the engine is cold, check theconcentration and level of the coolant atthe intervals listed in the scheduledmaintenance information. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 247).
Note:Make sure that the coolant level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks on thecoolant reservoir.
Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. Thelevel may extend beyond the MAX mark.
Maintain coolant concentration within48% to 50%, which equates to a freezepoint between -29°F (-34°C) and -35°F(-37°C). Coolant concentration should bechecked using a refractometer. We do notrecommend the use of hydrometers orcoolant test strips for measuring coolantconcentration.
Adding Coolant
WARNING: Do not add enginecoolant when the engine is on or thecooling system is hot. Failure to followthis instruction could result in personalinjury.
WARNING: Do not remove thecoolant reservoir cap when the engine ison or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10minutes for the cooling system to cooldown. Cover the coolant reservoir capwith a thick cloth to prevent thepossibility of scalding and slowly removethe cap. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in personal injury.
Note: Automotive fluids are notinterchangeable. Do not use coolant orwindshield washer fluid outside of itsspecified function and vehicle location.
Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, coolingsystem sealants, or non-specified additivesas they can cause damage to the enginecooling or heating systems. Resultingcomponent damage may not be covered bythe vehicle Warranty.
It is very important to use predilutedcoolant approved to the correctspecification in order to avoid plugging thesmall passageways in the engine coolingsystem. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 224). Do not mixdifferent colors or types of coolant in yourvehicle. Mixing of engine coolants or usingan incorrect coolant may harm the engineor cooling system components and maynot be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Note:If prediluted coolant is not available,use the approved concentrated coolantdiluting it to 50/50 with distilled water. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page 224).Using water that has not been deionizedmay contribute to deposit formation,corrosion and plugging of the small coolingsystem passageways.
Note: Coolants marketed for all makes andmodels may not be approved to Fordspecifications and may cause damage tothe cooling system. Resulting componentdamage may not be covered by the vehicleWarranty.
If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, add prediluted coolantimmediately.
To top up the coolant level do thefollowing:
1.Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressureescapes as you unscrew the cap.
2.Add prediluted coolant approved tothe correct specification. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page224).
3.Add enough prediluted coolant toreach the correct level.
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Coolant Change
At specific mileage intervals, as listed inthe scheduled maintenance information,the coolant should be changed. Addprediluted coolant approved to the correctspecification. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 224).
Fail-Safe Cooling
Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarilydrive your vehicle before any incrementalcomponent damage occurs. The fail-safedistance depends on ambienttemperature, vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat, thecoolant temperature gauge moves towardthe red zone:
A warning lamp illuminates anda message may appear in theinformation display.
If the engine reaches a presetover-temperature condition, the engineautomatically switches to alternatingcylinder operation. Each disabled cylinderacts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs, your vehicle stilloperates, however:
•Engine power is limited.
•The air conditioning system turns off.
Continued operation increases the enginetemperature, causing the engine tocompletely shut down. Your steering andbraking effort increases in this situation.
When the engine temperature cools, youcan re-start the engine. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible to minimizeengine damage.
When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated
WARNING: Fail-safe mode is foruse during emergencies only. Operateyour vehicle in fail-safe mode only aslong as necessary to bring your vehicleto rest in a safe location and seekimmediate repairs. When in fail-safemode, your vehicle will have limitedpower, will not be able to maintainhigh-speed operation, and maycompletely shut down without warning,potentially losing engine power, powersteering assist, and power brake assist,which may increase the possibility of acrash resulting in serious injury.
WARNING: Do not remove thecoolant reservoir cap when the engine ison or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10minutes for the cooling system to cooldown. Cover the coolant reservoir capwith a thick cloth to prevent thepossibility of scalding and slowly removethe cap. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in personal injury.
Your vehicle has limited engine powerwhen in the fail-safe mode, drive yourvehicle with caution. Your vehicle does notmaintain high-speed operation and theengine may operate poorly.
Remember that the engine is capable ofautomatically shutting down to preventengine damage. In this situation:
1.Pull off the road as soon as safelypossible and switch the engine off.
2.If you are a member of a roadsideassistance program, we recommendthat you contact your roadsideassistance service provider.
3.If this is not possible, wait a shortperiod for the engine to cool.
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4.Check the coolant level. If the coolantlevel is at or below the minimum mark,add prediluted coolant immediately.
5.When the engine temperature cools,you can re-start the engine. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible tominimize engine damage.
Note:Driving your vehicle without repairincreases the chance of engine damage.
Engine Coolant TemperatureManagement (If Equipped)
WARNING: To reduce the risk ofcrash and injury, be prepared that thevehicle speed may reduce and thevehicle may not be able to acceleratewith full power until the coolanttemperature reduces.
If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, theengine may temporarily reach a highertemperature during severe operatingconditions, for example ascending a longor steep slope in high ambienttemperatures.
At this time, you may notice the coolanttemperature gauge moves toward the redzone and a message may appear in theinformation display.
You may notice a reduction in vehiclespeed caused by reduced engine power inorder to manage the engine coolanttemperature. Your vehicle may enter thismode if certain high-temperature andhigh-load conditions take place. Theamount of speed reduction depends onvehicle loading, grade and ambienttemperature. If this occurs, there is no needto pull off the road. You can continue todrive your vehicle.
The air conditioning may automaticallyturn on and off during severe operatingconditions to protect the engine fromoverheating. When the coolanttemperature decreases to the normaloperating temperature, the air conditioningturns on.
If the coolant temperature gauge movesfully into the red zone, or if the coolanttemperature warning or service enginesoon messages appear in your informationdisplay, do the following:
1.Pull off the road as soon as safelypossible and shift the transmission intopark (P).
2.Leave the engine running until thecoolant temperature gauge needlereturns to the normal position. If thetemperature does not drop afterseveral minutes, follow the remainingsteps.
3.Switch the engine off and wait for it tocool. Check the coolant level.
4.If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, immediately addprediluted coolant.
5.If the coolant level is normal, restartthe engine and continue driving.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
Have an authorized dealer check andchange the transmission fluid and filter atthe correct service interval. SeeScheduled Maintenance (page 247).
Do not use supplemental transmissionfluid additives, treatments or cleaningagents. The use of these materials mayaffect transmission operation and resultin damage to internal transmissioncomponents.
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For transmission filter maintenance, seeyour authorized dealer.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
WARNING: Do not use any fluidother than the recommended brake fluidas this will reduce brake efficiency. Useof incorrect fluid could result in the lossof vehicle control, serious personal injuryor death.
WARNING: Only use brake fluidfrom a sealed container. Contaminationwith dirt, water, petroleum products orother materials may result in brakesystem damage or failure. Failure toadhere to this warning could result in theloss of vehicle control, serious personalinjury or death.
WARNING: Do not allow the fluidto touch your skin or eyes. If thishappens, rinse the affected areasimmediately with plenty of water andcontact your physician.
WARNING: The brake systemcould be affected if the brake fluid levelis below the MIN mark or above the MAXmark on the brake fluid reservoir.
1.Park your vehicle on a level surface.
2.Look at the brake fluid reservoir to seewhere the brake fluid level is relativeto the MIN and the MAX marks on thereservoir.
Note:If the brake fluid level is between theMIN and the MAX marks on the reservoir, itis acceptable.
Note:If the brake fluid level is below theMIN mark or above the MAX mark, haveyour vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Note:To avoid fluid contamination, thereservoir cap must remain in place and fullytight, unless you are adding fluid.
Only use fluid that meets ourspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 224).
Brake Fluid Service Interval
Brake fluid absorbs water over time whichdegrades the effectiveness of the brakefluid. Change the brake fluid at thespecified intervals to prevent degradedbraking performance.
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For detailed interval information, seeScheduled Maintenance in your Owner'sManual or your local maintenance guide.
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
WARNING: A fluid level betweenthe MAX and MIN lines is within thenormal operating range and there is noneed to add fluid. A fluid level not in thenormal operating range couldcompromise the performance of thesystem.
WARNING: For E-350 and E-450vehicles with the Hydro-Boost BrakeSystem, do not press the brake pedalafter the engine has been turned off.Pressing the brake pedal after the enginehas been turned off will give a falsepower steering fluid level reading.
Only use fluid that meets Fordspecifications. See Hydraulic PowerSteering Fluid Capacity andSpecification (page 234).
To top up the power steering fluid level dothe following.
1.Start the engine and let it run until itreaches normal operating temperature.
2.Make sure the fluid is within the MINand MAX range.
3.If the fluid level is low, add fluid to bewithin the MIN and MAX range. Do notoverfill.
4.While the engine idles, turn the steeringwheel left and right several times.
5.Recheck the fluid level in the reservoir.
Note:Do not operate the vehicle with a lowpower steering pump fluid level.
CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY
WARNING: This vehicle may havemore than one battery. Removing thebattery cables from only one batterydoes not disconnect your vehicleelectrical system. Make sure youdisconnect the battery cables from allbatteries when disconnecting power.Failure to do so may cause seriouspersonal injury or property damage.
WARNING: Batteries normallyproduce explosive gases which cancause personal injury. Therefore, do notallow flames, sparks or lightedsubstances to come near the battery.When working near the battery, alwaysshield your face and protect your eyes.Always provide correct ventilation.
WARNING: When lifting aplastic-cased battery, excessive pressureon the end walls could cause acid to flowthrough the vent caps, resulting inpersonal injury and damage to thevehicle or battery. Lift the battery with abattery carrier or with your hands onopposite corners.
WARNING: Keep batteries out ofreach of children. Batteries containsulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin,eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes whenworking near the battery to protectagainst possible splashing of acidsolution. In case of acid contact with skinor eyes, flush immediately with water fora minimum of 15 minutes and get promptmedical attention. If acid is swallowed,call a physician immediately.
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WARNING: Battery posts,terminals and related accessoriescontain lead and lead compounds,chemicals known to the State ofCalifornia to cause cancer andreproductive harm.Wash your handsafter handling.
Note:If your vehicle battery has a cover,make sure it is reinstalled after the batteryhas been cleaned or replaced.
Note:Electrical or electronic accessoriesor components added to the vehicle by thedealer or the owner may adversely affectbattery performance and durability.
Your vehicle is fitted with a Motorcraft®maintenance-free battery which normallydoes not require additional water duringits life of service.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep thetop of the battery clean and dry. Also,make certain the battery cables are alwaystightly fastened to the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery orterminals, remove the cables from theterminals and clean with a wire brush. Youcan neutralize the acid with a solution ofbaking soda and water.
Always dispose of automotive batteries ina responsible manner. Follow your localauthorized standards for disposal. Call yourlocal authorized recycling center to findout more about recycling automotivebatteries.
Reconnecting the Battery
Because your vehicle’s engine iselectronically controlled by a computer,some control conditions are maintainedby power from the battery. When thebattery is disconnected or a new batteryis installed, the engine must relearn its idleand fuel trim strategy for optimumdriveability and performance. Flexible fuelvehicles (FFV) must also relearn theethanol content of the fuel for optimumdriveability and performance.
To begin this process.
1.Switch off all accessories and start theengine.
2.Run the engine until it reaches normaloperating temperature.
3.Allow the engine to idle for at least oneminute.
4.Turn the A/C on and allow the engineto idle for at least one minute.
5.Fully press the foot brake. Release theparking brake. Shift the gearshift leverto Drive (D) and allow the engine toidle for at least one minute.
6.Drive the vehicle for approximately10 mi (16 km) to complete therelearning process.
Note:If you do not carry out the aboveprocess, the idle quality of your vehicle maybe adversely affected until the idle trim iseventually relearned.
Flexible fuel vehicles operating on E85 mayexperience poor starts and driveabilityproblems until the fuel trim and ethanolcontent have been relearned.
When the battery is disconnected or a newbattery installed, the transmission mustlearn its adaptive strategy. As a result ofthis, the transmission may shift firmly. Thisoperation is considered normal and fullyupdates transmission operation to itsoptimum shift feel.
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5.Locate the vertical adjuster on eachheadlamp. Using a Phillips #2screwdriver, turn the adjuster eitherclockwise or counterclockwise in orderto adjust the vertical aim of theheadlamp.
6.Repeat steps 3 through 5 to adjust theother headlamp.
7.Close the hood and switch off thelamps.
WASHER FLUID CHECK
WARNING: If you operate yourvehicle in temperatures below 40°F(5°C), use washer fluid with antifreezeprotection. Failure to use washer fluidwith antifreeze protection in coldweather could result in impairedwindshield vision and increase the riskof injury or accident.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level islow. Only use a washer fluid that meetsFord specifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 224).
State or local regulations on volatileorganic compounds may restrict the useof methanol, a common windshield washerantifreeze additive. Washer fluidscontaining non-methanol antifreezeagents should be used only if they providecold weather protection without damagingthe vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades orwasher system.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetimefuel filter that is integrated with the fueltank. Regular maintenance or replacementis not needed.
CHECKING THE WIPER
BLADES
Run the tip of your fingers over the edge ofthe blade to check for roughness.
Clean the wiper blades with washer fluidor water applied with a soft sponge orcloth.
CHANGING THE WIPER
BLADES
You can manually move the wiper armswhen the ignition is off. This allows for easeof blade replacement and cleaning underthe blades.
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condensation occurs, a thin film of mistcan form on the interior of the lens. Thethin mist eventually clears and exitsthrough the vents during normal operation.Clearing time may take as long as 48 hoursunder dry weather conditions.
Examples of acceptable condensation are:
•Presence of thin mist (no streaks, dripmarks or droplets).
•Fine mist covers less than 50% of thelens.
Examples of unacceptable moisture(usually caused by a lamp water leak) are:
•Water puddle inside the lamp.
•Large water droplets, drip marks orstreaks present on the interior of thelens.
Take your vehicle to a dealer for service ifany of the above conditions ofunacceptable moisture are present.
Replacing Headlamp Bulbs
WARNING: Make sure the bulbshave cooled down before removingthem. Failure to follow this warning couldresult in serious personal injury.
Note:Grasp the bulb by only its plastic baseand do not touch the glass. The oil from yourhand could cause the bulb to break the nexttime the headlamps are operated.
Note:If the bulb is accidentally touched,clean it with rubbing alcohol before use.
1.Make sure the headlamp switch is inthe off position, then open the hood.
2.Remove the headlamp. SeeRemoving a Headlamp (page 178).
3.Disconnect the electrical connector bysqueezing the release tab and pushingthe connector forward, then pulling itrearward.
4.Remove the bulb assembly by turningit counterclockwise and pulling itstraight out.
To install the new bulb, follow the removalprocedures in reverse order.
Replacing Front Parking Lamp andDirection Indicator Bulbs
1.Make sure the headlamp switch is inthe off position, then open the hood.
2.Remove the headlamp assembly. Referto Replacing Headlamp Bulbs in thissection.
3.Rotate the bulb socketcounterclockwise and remove.
4.Carefully pry up the bulb straight outof the socket.
To complete installation, follow theremoval procedures in reverse order.
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