2023 FORD E SERIES light

ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive yourvehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
•Consult your local motor vehicle lawsfor towing a trailer.
•See the instructions included withtowing accessories for the properinstallation and adjustmentspecifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently ifyou tow a trailer. See your scheduledmaintenance information. SeeScheduled Maintenance (page 247).
•If you use a rental trailer, follow theinstructions the rental agency givesyou.
See Load limits in the Load Carryingchapter for load specification terms foundon the tire label and Safety Compliancelabel and instructions on calculating yourvehicle's load.
Remember to account for the trailertongue weight as part of your vehicle loadwhen calculating the total vehicle weight.
Trailer Towing Connector
When attaching the trailer wiring connectorto your vehicle, only use a proper fittingconnector that works with the vehicle andtrailer functions. Some seven-positionconnectors may have the SAE J2863 logo,which confirms that it is the proper wiringconnector and works correctly with yourvehicle.
FunctionColor
Left turn signal and stop lampYellow
Ground (-)White
Electric brakesBlue
Right turn signal and stoplampGreen
Battery (+)Orange
Running lightsBrown
Reverse lightsGrey
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps ontothe bumper or attaches to the axle. Youmust distribute the load in your trailer sothat 10-15% of the total weight of thetrailer is on the tongue.
Weight-distributing Hitches
WARNING: Do not adjust the springbars so that your vehicle's rear bumperis higher than before attaching the trailer.Doing so will defeat the function of theweight-distributing hitch, which maycause unpredictable handling, and couldresult in serious personal injury.
When connecting a trailer using aweight-distributing hitch, always use thefollowing procedure:
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1.Park the loaded vehicle, without thetrailer, on a level surface.
2.Measure the height to the top of yourvehicle's front wheel opening on thefender. This is H1.
3.Attach the loaded trailer to your vehiclewithout the weight-distributing barsconnected.
4.Measure the height to the top of yourvehicle's front wheel opening on thefender a second time. This is H2.
5.Install and adjust the tension in theweight-distributing bars so that theheight of your vehicle's front wheelopening on the fender is approximatelyhalfway down from H2, toward H1.
6.Check that the trailer is level or slightlynose down toward your vehicle. If not,adjust the ball height accordingly andrepeat Steps 2-6.
When the trailer is level or slightly nosedown toward the vehicle:
•Lock the bar tension adjuster in place.
•Check that the trailer tongue securelyattaches and locks onto the hitch.
•Install safety chains, lighting and trailerbrake controls as required by law or thetrailer manufacturer.
Safety Chains
Note:Do not attach safety chains to thebumper.
Always connect the safety chains to theframe or hook retainers of your vehiclehitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross thechains under the trailer tongue and allowenough slack for turning tight corners. Donot allow the chains to drag on the ground.
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.
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (IfEquipped)
WARNING: Use the integratedtrailer brake controller to properly adjustthe trailer brakes and check allconnections before towing a trailer.Failure to follow this instruction couldresult in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
Note:The Ford trailer brake controller hasbeen verified to be compatible with trailershaving electric-actuated drum brakes (oneto four axles) and electric-over-hydraulicbrakes. It will not activate hydraulicsurge-style trailer brakes. It is theresponsibility of the customer to ensure thatthe trailer brakes are adjusted appropriately,functioning normally and all electricconnections are properly made.
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wiring. Consult your trailer dealer forassistance. This can be a short to ground(such as a chaffed wire), short to voltage(such as a pulled pin on trailer emergencybreakaway battery) or the trailer brakesmay be drawing too much current.
Points to Remember
Note:Do not attempt removal of the trailerbrake controller without consulting theWorkshop Manual. Damage to the unit mayresult.
•Adjust gain setting before using thetrailer brake controller for the first time.
•Adjust gain setting, see Procedure forAdjusting Gain, whenever road,weather and trailer or vehicle loadingconditions change from when the gainwas initially set.
•Only use the manual control lever forproper adjustment of the gain duringtrailer setup. Misuse, such asapplication during trailer sway, couldcause instability of trailer or towvehicle.
•Avoid towing in adverse weatherconditions. The trailer brake controllerdoes not provide anti-lock control ofthe trailer wheels. Trailer wheels canlock up on slippery surfaces, resultingin reduced stability of trailer and towvehicle.
•The trailer brake controller is equippedwith a feature that reduces output atvehicle speeds below 11 mph (18 km/h)so trailer and vehicle braking is not jerkyor harsh. This feature is only availablewhen applying the brakes using yourvehicle's brake pedal, not thecontroller.
•The controller interacts with the brakecontrol system and powertrain controlsystem of your vehicle to provide thebest performance on different roadconditions.
•Your vehicle's brake system and thetrailer brake system workindependently of each other. Changingthe gain setting on the controller doesnot affect the operation of yourvehicle's brakes whether you attach atrailer or not.
•When you switch the engine off, thecontroller output is disabled and thedisplay and module shut down. Thecontroller module and display turn onwhen you switch the ignition on.
•The trailer brake controller is only afactory-installed or dealer-installeditem. Ford is not responsible forwarranty or performance of thecontroller due to misuse or customerinstallation.
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.
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•Avoid adding particular accessories toyour vehicle (e.g. bug deflectors,rollbars/light bars, running boards, skiracks).
•Avoid driving with the wheels out ofalignment.
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).
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
WARNING: Do not drive throughflowing or deep water as you may losecontrol of your vehicle.
Note:Driving through standing water cancause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,check the depth. Never drive through waterthat is higher than the bottom of the wheelhubs.
When driving through standing water, drivevery slowly and do not stop your vehicle.Your brake performance and traction maybe limited. After driving through water andas soon as it is safe to do so:
•Lightly press the brake pedal to dry thebrakes and to check that they work.
•Check that the horn works.
•Check that the exterior lights work.
•Turn the steering wheel to check thatthe steering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS
WARNING: Use a floor matdesigned to fit the footwell of yourvehicle that does not obstruct the pedalarea. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
WARNING: Pedals that cannotmove freely can cause loss of vehiclecontrol and increase the risk of seriouspersonal injury.
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JUMP STARTING THE VEHICLE
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: 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.
WARNING: Use only adequatelysized cables with insulated clamps.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Do not attempt to push-start yourautomatic transmission vehicle.
Note:Attempting to push-start a vehiclewith an automatic transmission may causetransmission damage.
Note:Use only a 12-volt supply to start yourvehicle.
Note:Do not disconnect the battery of thedisabled vehicle as this could damage thevehicle electrical system.
Park the booster vehicle close to the hoodof the disabled vehicle, making sure thetwo vehicles do not touch.
Connecting the Jumper Cables
WARNING: Do not connect thenegative jumper cable to any other partof your vehicle. Use the ground point.
WARNING: Make sure that thecables are clear of any moving parts andfuel delivery system parts.
Note:See the above image for yourvehicle's assigned ground connection point.
1.Connect the positive (+) jumper cableto the positive (+) terminal of thedischarged battery.
2.Connect the other end of the positive(+) cable to the positive (+) terminalof the booster vehicle battery.
3.Connect the negative (-) cable to thenegative (-) terminal of the boostervehicle battery.
4.Make the final connection of thenegative (-) cable to the groundconnection point.
Jump Starting
1.Start the engine of the booster vehicleand rev the engine moderately, or pressthe accelerator gently to keep yourengine speed between 2000 and 3000RPM, as shown in your tachometer.
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Note: Failure to use the correct air filterelement may result in severe enginedamage. The customer warranty may bevoid for any damage to the engine if thecorrect air filter element is not used.
When changing the air filter element, useonly the air filter element listed. SeeMotorcraft Parts (page 224). The air filterelement should be replaced at theappropriate intervals. See NormalScheduled Maintenance (page 250).
1.Release the clips (x2) that secure thetwo halves of the air filter housingtogether.
2.Carefully separate the two halves ofthe air filter housing.
3.Remove the air filter element from thehousing.
4.Install the new filter element. Becareful to put the filter seal on top ofthe tray, making sure that the seal isnot pushed down into the tray. Thiscould cause filter damage and allowunfiltered air to enter the engine if notproperly seated.
5.Install the air filter housing cover. Usespecial care to ensure that the aircleaner cover is reinstalled correctly.Verify that the tabs at the rear of theair cleaner housing cover are fullyinserted into the slots at the rear of theair cleaner housing tray.
6.Secure the air filter housing clips (x2).
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
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.
WARNING: Do not put coolant inthe windshield washer reservoir. Ifsprayed on the windshield, coolant couldmake it difficult to see through thewindshield.
WARNING: To reduce the risk ofpersonal injury, make sure the engine iscool before unscrewing the coolantpressure relief cap. The cooling systemis under pressure. Steam and hot liquidcan come out forcefully when you loosenthe cap slightly.
WARNING: Do not add coolantfurther than the MAX mark.
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4.Replace the coolant reservoir cap. Turnthe cap clockwise until it contacts thehard stop.
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, and slightlydarken. As long as the coolant is clear anduncontaminated, this color change does notindicate the coolant has degraded nor doesit require the coolant to be drained, thesystem to be flushed, or the coolant to bereplaced.
In case of emergency, you can add a largeamount of water without coolant in orderto reach a vehicle service location. In thisinstance, qualified personnel:
1.Must drain the cooling system.
2.Chemically clean the coolant system.
3.Refill with coolant that meets thecorrect specification. See Capacitiesand Specifications (page 224).
Water alone, without coolant, can causeengine 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 yourcommunity's regulations and standardsfor recycling and disposing of automotivefluids.
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.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extremeclimates should use prediluted coolant foroptimum cooling system and engineprotection.
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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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