Biodiesel fuel is a chemically converted
product from renewable fuel sources, such
as vegetable oils, animal fats and waste
cooking greases.
To help achieve acceptable engine
performance and durability when using
biodiesel in your vehicle:
• Confirm the biodiesel content of the
fuel to be B20 (20% biodiesel) or less
• Only use biodiesel fuel of good quality
that complies with industry standards
• Follow the recommended service
maintenance intervals. See
Scheduled Maintenance (page 319).
• Do not store biodiesel fuel in the fuel
tank for more than 1 month
• Consider changing brands or reducing
biodiesel content if you have cold
temperature fuel gelling issues or a
frequent LOW FUEL PRESSURE
message appearing
• Do NOT use raw oils, fats or waste
cooking greases
Use of biodiesel in concentrations greater
than 20% may cause damage to your
vehicle, including engine and/or exhaust
after-treatment hardware (exhaust
catalyst and particulate filter) failures.
Concentrations greater than 20% can also
cause fuel filter restrictions that may result
in a lack of power or damage to fuel
system components, including fuel pump
and fuel injector failures.
SAE 5W-40 or SAE 15W-40 oil is
recommended for fuels with greater than
5% biodiesel (B5). Refer to the Special
operating conditions section under the
Schedule Maintenance chapter for more
information about oil change intervals and
other maintenance when operating on
biodiesel.Look for a label on the fuel pump to
confirm the amount of biodiesel contained
in a diesel fuel. Biodiesel content is often
indicated with the letter B followed by the
percent of biodiesel in the fuel. For
example, B20 indicates a fuel containing
20% biodiesel. Ask the service station
attendant to confirm the biodiesel content
of a diesel fuel if you do not see a label on
the fuel pump.
Biodiesel fuels degrade more easily than
diesel fuels not containing biodiesel and
should not be stored in the fuel tank for
more than 1 month. If you plan to park or
store your vehicle for more than 1 month,
then you should empty your vehicle fuel
tank of biodiesel fuel. You should fill the
tank with a pure petroleum-based diesel
fuel and run your vehicle for a minimum of
30 minutes.
Note:Degraded or oxidized biodiesel can
damage fuel system seals and plastics and
corrode steel parts.
During cold weather, if you have problems
operating on biodiesel, you may need to
use a diesel fuel with lower biodiesel
content, try another brand, or discontinue
the use of biodiesel.
Diesel Fuel Additives
It should not be necessary to add any
aftermarket additives to your fuel if you
use a high quality diesel fuel that conforms
to ASTM industry specifications.
Aftermarket additives can damage the fuel
injector system or engine.
Use Motorcraft® cetane booster or an
equivalent cetane booster additive if you
suspect fuel has low cetane. Use
Motorcraft® anti-gel & performance
improver or an equivalent additive if there
is fuel gelling.
108
Fuel and Refueling
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Your fuel economy is affected by several
things, such as how you drive, the
conditions you drive under, and how you
maintain your vehicle.
You may improve your fuel economy by
keeping these things in mind:
• Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,
moderate fashion.
• Drive at steady speeds without
stopping.
• Anticipate stops; slowing down may
eliminate the need to stop.
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving.
• Drive at reasonable speeds. Traveling
at 55 mph (90 km/h) uses 15% less
fuel than traveling at 65 mph
(105 km/h).
• Keep the tires properly inflated and use
only the recommended size.
• Use the recommended engine oil.
• Perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance.
Avoid these actions; they reduce your fuel
economy:
• Sudden accelerations or hard
accelerations.
• Warm up your vehicle on cold
mornings.
• Use the air conditioner.
• Use the speed control in hilly terrain.
• Rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving.
• Carry unnecessary weight.
Approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost
for every 400 lb (180 kg) of weight
carried.
• Driving with the wheels out of
alignment.Conditions
• Adding certain accessories to your
vehicle may reduce fuel economy. For
example bug deflectors, rollbars, light
bars, running boards, ski racks or
luggage racks.
• Using fuel blended with alcohol may
lower fuel economy.
• Fuel economy may decrease with lower
temperatures during the first 5–10 mi
(12–16 km) of driving.
• Driving on flat terrain offers improved
fuel economy as compared to driving
on hilly terrain.
• Transmissions give their best fuel
economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure
on the gas pedal.
COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
Note:Idling in cold weather does not heat
the engine to its normal operating
temperature. Long periods of idling,
especially in cold weather, can cause a
buildup of deposits which can cause engine
damage.
Changing to a lighter grade engine oil also
makes starting easier under these
conditions. Refer to Engine oil
specifications. See Engine Oil Capacity
and Specification (page 292).
Diesel fuel is adjusted seasonally for cold
temperatures. Diesel fuel which has not
been properly formulated for the ambient
conditions may gel which can clog the fuel
filters. One indication that the fuel filter(s)
may be clogged is if the engine starts, stalls
after a short time, and then does not
restart. If you have been using biodiesel,
you may need to use a fuel with lower
biodiesel content, try another brand, or
discontinue using biodiesel. Do not use
184
Driving Hints
Protected Component Rating Item
Body control module run
power 1 bus. 50 A 25
Not used. — 26
Upfitter battery feed. 20 A 27
Not used. — 28
Alternator 1 A-Line. 10 A 29
Not used. — 30
Hydromax pump. 60 A 31
Powertrain control module. 20 A 32
Canister vent solenoid (gas). 20 A 33
Canister purge solenoid
(gas).
Variable cam timing actu-
ator 11 (gas).
Heated exhaust gas oxygen
sensor (gas).
Urea tank power (diesel).
Exhaust gas recirculation
cool bypass valve (diesel).
A/C clutch relay. 10 A 34
Customer access vehicle
power 3 feed.
Variable oil pump (diesel).
Cooling fan (diesel).
Fan clutch (gas).
Exhaust brake switch.
Variable oil pressure control
(gas)
Coil on plug (gas) 20 A 35
Urea tank (diesel).
Glow plug controller
(diesel).
Nitrogen oxide sensor
control module (diesel).
Particulate matter sensor
(diesel).
Fuel volume control value
(diesel). 10 A 36
202
Fuses
VEHICLE INSPECTION
INFORMATION
To make sure your vehicle is ready to
operate, conduct a pre-trip inspection at
the beginning of each work period. Follow
the steps listed in this section to verify a
proper vehicle inspection procedure.
WARNING: Exercise great caution
when working on a vehicle equipped with
an automatic fan clutch. The fan starts
in motion only after the engine coolant
reaches a predetermined temperature
or the refrigerant pressure (if equipped
with air conditioning) reaches a
predetermined setting. The fan starts at
this point with no advance warning.
Never reach near, or permit objects to
protrude into, the fan blade radius while
the engine is running as this could result
in vehicle damage, personal injury or
death.
WARNING: Do not operate the
vehicle if any suspension conditions
listed in the following charts are evident.
Loss of steering or suspension could
result in property damage, personal injury
or death.
WARNING: If a wheel must be
changed, obtain expert tire service help.
Mounting and un-mounting of tires
should only be performed by a qualified
technician using necessary safety
procedures and equipment, otherwise
the result could be property damage,
personal injury or death.
Note:Always make sure you apply the
parking brake before starting the engine.
Engine compartment (with engine off)
Use the dipstick to verify the oil level is in the proper operating
range. See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 224). Engine oil
Look through the plastic reservoir and verify the coolant level
is within the proper operating range. Do not remove the
pressure cap until the coolant has cooled. See Engine
Coolant Check (page 238). Engine coolant
Verify that the fluid level is in the proper operating range. See
Power Steering Fluid Check (page 245). Power steering fluid
Remove the master cylinder caps and inspect the fluid level.
See Brake Fluid Check (page 244). Brake fluid
210
Vehicle Inspection Guide
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
211
Vehicle Inspection Guide
3. Add engine oil that meets our
specifications. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 288).
4. Reinstall the engine oil filler cap. Turn
it clockwise until you feel a strong
resistance.
Note: Do not add oil further than the
maximum mark. Oil levels above the
maximum mark may cause engine damage.
Note:Immediately soak up any oil spillage
with an absorbent cloth.
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Lamp
WARNING: If it illuminates when
you are driving do not continue your
journey, even if the oil level is correct.
Have your vehicle checked.
It illuminates when you switch
the ignition on.
If it illuminates when the engine
is running 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. If the oil level is sufficient,
this indicates a system malfunction. Have
your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL
AND OIL FILTER
WARNING: Do not add engine oil
when the engine is hot. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in personal
injury.If your vehicle has a diesel engine, an
Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ calculates the
proper oil change service interval. When
the information display indicates: OIL
CHANGE REQUIRED, change the engine
oil and oil filter. See Information
Displays (page 70).
The engine oil filter protects your engine
by filtering harmful, abrasive or sludge
particles and particles significantly smaller
than most available will-fit filters. See
Motorcraft Parts (page 290).
1. Unscrew the oil filter and oil pan drain
plug and wait for the oil to drain.
2. Replace the filter.
3. Reinstall the oil pan drain plug.
4. Refill the engine with new oil. See
Engine Oil Capacity and
Specification (page 295).
5. For diesel engines, you need to reset
the Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™. See
Information Displays (page 70).
Engine Lubrication for Severe
Service Operation
The following conditions define severe
operation:
• Frequent or extended idling such as
over 10 minutes per hour of normal
driving.
• Low-speed operation or stationary use.
• If the vehicle is operated in sustained,
ambient temperatures below -9°F
(-23°C) or above 100°F (38°C).
• Frequent low-speed operation, or
consistent heavy traffic less than
25 mph (40 km/h).
• Operating in severe dust conditions.
• Operating the vehicle off road.
• Towing a trailer over 1,000 mi
(1,600 km).
226
Maintenance
Follow the tire manufacturer's
recommended cold inflation pressure for
the tire size, load range (ply rating) and
steer axle loading typical for their operation
(each steer axle tire equals ½ steer axle
loading).
Special applications may warrant a setting
based on experience with the type of tire
operating loads and conditions. Radial tires
are more sensitive to toe-in setting than
bias ply tires. Fine tuning school bus
alignment to line-haul truck standards
does not drastically improve tire tread life.
STEERING SYSTEM
INSPECTION
WARNING: Failure to maintain the
steering system in proper condition can
cause reduced steering ability resulting
in property damage, personal injury or
death.
Note:Have any steering problems
immediately corrected by a qualified service
technician.
Ask your service technician to examine the
steering mechanism. Only minor
adjustments may be necessary.
Regular inspections should include:
• Checking the tie rod, drag link end
clamp bolts and ball joints for proper
tightness.
• Checking for installation and spread of
cotter pins and tightness of nuts at
both ends of the tie rod and drag link.
• Checking that the pitman arm (steering
arm at steering gear) mounting is tight
and locked. Check system for leaks or
hose chafing. Repair immediately, if
necessary.• Maintaining proper steering gear and
power steering pump lubricant levels.
• Checking steering column joint bolts
and steering linkage, particularly for
body-to-chassis clearance.
Steering Column Joint Bolts
As a good maintenance practice, check
steering column joint bolt tightness every
60,000 mi (96,000 km) or annually,
whichever occurs first. Do not overtighten
the bolts.
Hydraulic System
Whenever draining and refilling the power
steering's hydraulic system for any reason,
bleed air from the system before returning
the vehicle to service. Failure to bleed the
hydraulic system properly can result in
degradation of power system performance.
Consult an authorized dealer who is aware
of the proper procedures for filling and
bleeding the system.
SUSPENSION SYSTEM
INSPECTION
Note:Do not adjust air suspension height
to any setting other than the specified
setting. Altering the height setting changes
the driveline angle and may result in
unwarrantable component damage, such
as transmission component damage.
Verify drive axle air suspension height and
height control valve performance at engine
oil change intervals.
Periodically check:
• Condition of spring leaves for evidence
of fatigue, bending or breakage.
• Condition of suspension mounting
brackets and bushings.
• Torque rod mounting fasteners for
tightness.
259
Maintenance
• 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.
Contact an authorized dealer if you have
any concerns or issues.
268
Vehicle Care