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
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK - 6.7L
DIESEL
E249448
Minimum. A
Nominal. B
Maximum. C
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK - 7.3L
E250320E250320
Minimum. A
Nominal. B
Maximum. C
ENGINE OIL CHECK - 6.7L
DIESEL
To check the engine oil level consistently
and accurately, do the following:1. Make sure the parking brake is on. Make
sure the transmission is in park (P) or
neutral (N).
2. Run engine until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
3. Make sure that your vehicle is on level
ground.
4. Switch the engine off and wait 15
minutes for the oil to drain into the oil
pan. Checking the engine oil level too
soon after you switch the engine off
may result in an inaccurate reading.
5. Open the hood. See Opening and
Closing the Hood (page 220).
6. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with
a clean, lint-free cloth. See Under
Hood Overview (page 222).
7. Replace the dipstick and remove it
again to check the oil level. See
Engine Oil Dipstick (page 224).
8. Make sure that the oil level is between
the maximum and minimum marks. If
the oil level is at the minimum mark,
add oil immediately. See Engine Oil
Capacity and Specification (page
292).
9. If the oil level is correct, replace the
dipstick and make sure it is fully seated.
Note:Do not remove the dipstick when the
engine is running.
Note: If the oil level is between the
maximum and minimum marks, the oil level
is acceptable. Do not add oil.
Note:The oil consumption of new engines
reaches its normal level after approximately
3,000 mi (5,000 km).
Adding Engine Oil
WARNING: Do not remove the filler
cap when the engine is running.
224
Maintenance
Do not use supplemental engine oil
additives because they are unnecessary
and could lead to engine damage that may
not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
To top up the engine oil level do the
following:
1. Clean the area surrounding the engine
oil filler cap before you remove it.
2. Remove the engine oil filler cap. See
Under Hood Overview (page 222).
Turn it counterclockwise and remove
it.
3. Add engine oil of the proper viscosity
and grade that meets Ford
specifications. See Engine Oil
Capacity and Specification (page
292). You may have to use a funnel to
pour the engine oil into the opening.
4. Recheck the oil level.
5. If the oil level is correct, replace the
dipstick and make sure it is fully seated.
6. Replace 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:Make sure you install the oil filler cap
correctly.
Note:Soak up any spillage with an
absorbent cloth immediately.
Engine lubrication for severe
service operation
The following conditions define severe
operation for which engine operation with
SAE 5W-40 oil which meets Ford
specification, WSS-M2C171-F1, is
recommended. Oil and oil filter change
intervals will be determined by the
Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ as noted
previously.
ENGINE OIL CHECK - 7.3L
1. Make sure that your vehicle is on level
ground.
2. Check the oil level before starting the
engine, or switch the engine off after
warm up and wait 10 minutes for the
oil to drain into the oil pan.
3. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with
a clean, lint-free cloth.
4. Reinstall the dipstick and make sure it
is fully seated.
5. Remove the dipstick again to check the
oil level.
Note: If the oil level is between the
maximum and minimum marks, the oil level
is acceptable. Do not add oil.
6. If the oil level is at the minimum mark,
immediately add oil.
7. Reinstall the dipstick. Make sure it is
fully seated.
Note:The oil consumption of new engines
reaches its normal level after approximately
3,000 mi (5,000 km).
Adding Engine Oil
WARNING: Do not add engine oil
when the engine is hot. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in personal
injury.
WARNING: Do not remove the filler
cap when the engine is running.
Do not use supplemental engine oil
additives because they are unnecessary
and could lead to engine damage that the
vehicle warranty may not cover.
1. Clean the area surrounding the engine
oil filler cap before you remove it.
2. Remove the engine oil filler cap.
225
Maintenance
Other Maintenance Items1
Note: When adding coolant additive, do not exceed the
specified maximum of 47 fl oz (1.4 L) for the engine and
20 fl oz (473 ml) for the secondary cooling system. Oper-
ating the engine with excessive coolant additive may cause
overheating which could lead to severe, permanent engine
damage.
Replace the air inlet foam filter. Every 45,000 mi
(72,000 km)
Inspect the accessory drive belt or belts.
4At 90,000 mi
(144,000 km)
Change the rear axle fluid. See Special Operating
Conditions Scheduled Maintenance (page 329).
5At 100,000 mi
(160,000 km)
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter. Consult
an authorized dealer for requirements.
Every 150,000 mi
(240,000 km)Replace the accessory drive belt or belts if not replaced
within the last 100,000 mi (160,000 km).
Replace the front wheel bearings and seals.
Change the engine and secondary cooling system coolant.
6At 200,000 mi
(320,000 km)
1 You can perform these maintenance items within 3,000 mi (4,800 km) of the last oil
change. Do not exceed the designated distance for the interval.
2 Every 22,000 mi (36,000 km) or as indicated by the information display.3 Every 30,000 mi (48,000 km), 1200 engine hours or as indicated by the information
display.
4 Perform follow-up inspections every 15,000 mi (24,000 km) after the initial inspection.
Replace the belt or belts at 150,000 mi (240,000 km).
5 Change the fluid again at 150,000 mi (240,000 km).6 Initial replacement at 10 years or 200,000 mi (320,000 km), then every five years or
100,000 mi (160,000 km).
328
Scheduled Maintenance
Frequent or Extended Idling, Over 10 Minutes Per Hour of Normal Driving or Frequent
Low-speed Operation if You Use Your Vehicle for Stationary Operation
Change the engine oil and filter as indicated by the
information display, and perform the services listed in the
scheduled maintenance chart. As required
Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel
filters. Every 15,000 mi
(24,000 km), six months or
600 engine hours
Inspect the coolant concentration, freeze-point protection
and additive, corrosion inhibitor strength. Add coolant
additive if necessary. Every 30,000 mi
(48,000 km) or 1200 engine
hours
Flush and refill the coolant. Do not add coolant additive. Every 60,000 mi
(96,000 km) or 2400
engine hours
Note:When adding coolant additive, do not exceed the specified maximum of 47 fl oz
(1.4 L) for the engine and 20 fl oz (473 ml) for the secondary cooling system. Operating the
engine with excessive coolant additive may cause overheating which could lead to severe,
permanent engine damage.
Note:After the initial coolant flush and fill at 60,000 mi (96,000 km) or 2400 engine
hours, flush and fill every 45,000 mi (72,000 km) or 1800 engine hours thereafter.
332
Scheduled Maintenance
Frequent Low-speed Operation, Consistent Heavy Traffic Under 25 mph (40 km/h) or
Long Rush-hour Traffic
Change the engine oil and filter as indicated by the
information display, and perform the services listed in the
scheduled maintenance chart. As required
Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel
filters. Every 15,000 mi
(24,000 km), six months or
600 engine hours
Inspect the coolant concentration, freeze-point protection
and additive, corrosion inhibitor strength. Add coolant
additive if necessary. Every 30,000 mi
(48,000 km) or 1200 engine
hours
Flush and refill the coolant. Do not add coolant additive. Every 60,000 mi
(96,000 km) or 2400
engine hours
Note:When adding coolant additive, do not exceed the specified maximum of 47 fl oz
(1.4 L) for the engine and 20 fl oz (473 ml) for the secondary cooling system. Operating the
engine with excessive coolant additive may cause overheating which could lead to severe,
permanent engine damage.
Note:After the initial coolant flush and fill at 60,000 mi (96,000 km) or 2400 engine
hours, flush and fill every 45,000 mi (72,000 km) or 1800 engine hours thereafter.
333
Scheduled Maintenance
Sustained High-speed Driving at Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, Maximum Loaded Weight
for Vehicle Operation
Change the engine oil and filter as indicated by the
information display, and perform the services listed in the
scheduled maintenance chart. As required
Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel
filters. Every 15,000 mi
(24,000 km), six months or
600 engine hours
Inspect the coolant concentration, freeze-point protection
and additive, corrosion inhibitor strength. Add coolant
additive if necessary. Every 30,000 mi
(48,000 km) or 1200 engine
hours
Flush and refill the coolant. Do not add coolant additive. Every 60,000 mi
(96,000 km) or 2400
engine hours
Note:When adding coolant additive, do not exceed the specified maximum of 47 fl oz
(1.4 L) for the engine and 20 fl oz (473 ml) for the secondary cooling system. Operating the
engine with excessive coolant additive may cause overheating which could lead to severe,
permanent engine damage.
Note:After the initial coolant flush and fill at 60,000 mi (96,000 km) or 2400 engine
hours, flush and fill every 45,000 mi (72,000 km) or 1800 engine hours thereafter.
Operating in Sustained Ambient Temperatures Below -9.4°F (-23°C) or Above 100.3°F
(38°C)
Change the engine oil and filter as indicated by the
information display, and perform the services listed in the
scheduled maintenance chart. As required
Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel
filters. Every 15,000 mi
(24,000 km), six months or
600 engine hours
Operating in Dusty or Sandy Conditions, Such as Unpaved or Dusty Roads
Rotate the tires1, inspect the tires for wear and measure
tread depth. Every 7,500 mi (12,000 km)
Inspect the brake system pads and rotors.
Inspect the air filter restriction gauge. Replace the filter if
necessary.
334
Scheduled Maintenance