2023 FORD F650/750 coolant level

If these modified engine performance
characteristics persist for an extended
period and either the service engine soon
or powertrain malfunction, reduced power,
electronic throttle control light is
illuminated, have the system checked by
an authorized dealer.
Service engine soon
Powertrain malfunction, reduced
power, electronic throttle control
Diesel Lubrication System
It is important to change the engine oil at
the recommended service intervals or
when indicated by the information display
to maintain oil viscosity. Extending the oil
and filter change interval beyond the
recommended interval can negatively
affect engine performance, fuel economy
and engine life. See Engine Oil Check
(page 224).
Engine and secondary cooling system
The cooling system contains a primary
cooling loop to cool the engine and a
secondary cooling loop to cool the
transmission, charge air, and fuel. The
coolant serves three primary purposes: to
provide heat transfer, freeze point
protection, and corrosion protection using
additives.
Vehicles with diesel engines typically are
used to carry heavy loads and accumulate
mileage rapidly. These two factors may
cause the additives in the coolant to wear
out in a shorter time. You can find more
information about coolant additives and
coolant change intervals in the coolant
chapter. See General Maintenance
Information (page 319). Operating the
engine with insufficient coolant or coolant
additive can cause severe engine damage.Selective catalytic reduction system
Your vehicle is equipped with a selective
catalytic reduction system designed to
reduce emission levels of nitrogen oxides
from the exhaust of your diesel engine. This
system relies on the use of Diesel Exhaust
Fluid (DEF) that you must replenish at
certain intervals. Failure to maintain proper
DEF levels or if the DEF becomes
contaminated will result in vehicle speed
limitations or result in your vehicle entering
an idle-only mode. See Selective
Catalytic Reductant System (page 118).
Minor Troubleshooting Guide
If the engine won’t crank
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash
hands after handling.
Turn on the headlights. If the lights are dim,
do not go on at all or when the ignition is
turned to the start position, the lights
become dim or go out, the battery
connections may be loose or corroded, or
the battery may be discharged. If there is
a clicking or stuttering sound coming from
the engine compartment when you turn
the key to the start position, this may also
indicate a loose or corroded battery
connection.
Check the battery connections at the
battery posts, cable connection to the
engine grounding point and at the starter
connection.
If you suspect a discharged battery, have
it checked and corrected.
9
Introduction

Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
Indicates engine oil pressure. At normal
operating temperature, the level indicator
is in the normal range. If the pressure gauge
falls below the normal range, stop your
vehicle, switch off the engine and check
the engine oil level. Add oil if needed. If the
oil level is correct, have your vehicle
checked by an authorized dealer.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge
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.
Indicates engine coolant temperature. At
normal operating temperature, the level
indicator is in the normal range. If the
engine coolant temperature exceeds the
normal range, stop your vehicle as soon as
possible, switch off the engine and let the
engine cool.
Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge indicates about how much
fuel is in the fuel tank.
The arrow adjacent to the fuel pump
symbol indicates on which side of your
vehicle the fuel filler door is located.
Note:The fuel gauge may vary slightly
when your vehicle is moving or on a slope.Low Fuel Reminder
A low fuel level reminder displays and
sounds when the distance to empty
reaches 50 mi (80 km), 25 mi (40 km),
10 mi (20 km) and 0 mi (0 km) for all
vehicle keys.
Note:The low fuel reminder can appear at
different fuel gauge positions depending on
fuel economy conditions. This variation is
normal.
Distance to Empty
Indicates the approximate distance your
vehicle can travel on the fuel remaining in
the tank. Changes in driving pattern can
cause the value to not only decrease but
also increase or stay constant for periods
of time.
Configurable Gauge
Transmission Fluid Temperature Gauge
Indicates transmission fluid temperature.
At normal operating temperature, the level
indicator is in the normal range. If the
transmission fluid temperature exceeds
the normal range, stop your vehicle as soon
as possible and verify the airflow is not
restricted by snow or debris blocking
airflow through the grille.
Special operating conditions such as
snowplowing, towing, or off-road use may
cause higher than normal operating
temperatures. See Special Operating
Conditions Scheduled Maintenance
(page 329).
To lower the transmission temperature
into the normal range, alter the severity of
your driving conditions. Operating the
transmission for extended periods with the
gauge in the higher than normal area may
cause internal transmission damage. If the
gauge continues to show high
temperatures, see an authorized dealer.
65
Instrument Cluster

Door Ajar
Displays when the ignition is on
and any door is not completely
closed.
Electronic Locking Differential (If
Equipped)
E163170
Illuminates when using the
electronic locking differential.
Engine Coolant Temperature
If it illuminates when your vehicle
is moving, this indicates that the
engine is overheating. Stop your
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so and
switch the engine off. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible. See Engine
Coolant Check (page 238). idk
Engine Oil Pressure
If it illuminates with the engine
running, or when you are driving,
this indicates a malfunction.
Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to
do so and switch off the engine. Check the
engine oil level.
Note:Do not resume your journey if it
illuminates despite the level being correct.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
Exhaust Brake On (If Equipped)
E171217
The exhaust brake indicator light
illuminates when you switch the
exhaust brake on.
Fasten Seatbelt
E71880
Illuminates and a tone sounds
to remind you to fasten your
seatbelt.
High Beam
Illuminates when you switch on
the high beam headlamps. It
flashes when you use the
headlamp flasher.
Hydromax
E146190
If the light illuminates and
remains on when the key is in the
on position or the engine is
running, this indicates inadequate hydraulic
booster pressure or reserve pump system
failure. Stop the vehicle as soon as
possible and have your vehicle checked.
Low Fuel Level
Illuminates when the fuel level
is low or the fuel tank is nearly
empty. Refuel as soon as
possible.
Parking Brake Warning
E208810
Briefly illuminates when you
switch the ignition to the on
position, with the engine off. It
also illuminates when you apply the
parking brake. If the park brake lamp does
not illuminate at these times, seek
immediate service. Vehicles with the power
parking brake option: If the park brake
warning lamp begins to blink after setting
the parking brake, this may indicate a
failure in the parking brake system. Have
the system checked as soon as possible.
Driving extended distances with the
parking brake engaged can cause brake
failure and the risk of personal injury.
Parking Lamps
Illuminates when you switch the
low beam headlamps or the
parking lamps on.
67
Instrument Cluster

alcohol based additives to correct fuel
gelling. This may result in damage to the
fuel injectors and system. Use the proper
anti-gel and performance improvement
product. See Engine Oil Capacity and
Specification (page 292).
Your vehicle is equipped with a fuel and
water separator that recirculates fuel from
the engine to help prevent fuel filter
clogging. To avoid engine fuel starvation
during cold weather operation of 32°F
(0°C) or below, we recommended that
the fuel level in your tank should not drop
below 1⁄4 full. This helps prevent air from
entering the fuel system and stalling the
engine.
Your vehicle is equipped with a selective
catalyst reduction system that uses Diesel
Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to operate properly.
You need to replenish your vehicle’s DEF
at certain intervals. When filling your
vehicle’s DEF tank in cold weather, you
must take special care to prevent damage
to the tank. See Selective Catalytic
Reductant System (page 118).
In cold weather below 32°F (0°C), the
engine may slowly increase to a higher idle
speed if left idling in park (P) or neutral
(N).
If you operate your vehicle in a heavy
snowstorm or blowing snow conditions,
snow and ice can clog the engine air
induction. If this occurs, the engine may
experience a significant reduction in power
output. At the earliest opportunity, clear
all the snow or ice away from inside the air
filter assembly. Remove the air cleaner
cover and the pleated paper filter, leaving
the foam filter in and remove any snow or
ice. Make sure you install the foam filter
correctly in place. Remove any debris,
snow or ice on the foam filter by brushing
the surface with soft brush. Once you have
cleared all of the debris, reinstall the air
filter and assembly.Do not use water, solvents, or a hard brush
for cleaning the foam filter.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
vehicle damage and/or personal burn
injuries do not start your engine with the
air filter removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
In order to operate the engine in
temperatures of 32°F (0°C) or lower, read
the following instructions:
• Make sure that the batteries are of
sufficient size and are fully charged.
Check other electrical components to
make sure they are in optimum
condition
• Use the proper coolant solution at the
concentration recommended
protecting the engine against damage
from freezing
• Try to keep the fuel tank full as much
as possible at the end of operation to
prevent condensation in the fuel
system
• Make sure you use proper cold weather
engine oil and that it is at its proper
level. Also, if necessary, make sure to
follow the engine oil and filter change
schedule found under the Special
operating conditions section listed in
the scheduled maintenance
information
• At temperatures of -9°F (-23°C) or
below, it is recommended that you use
an engine block heater to improve cold
engine starting
• If operating in arctic temperatures of
-20°F (-29°C) or lower, consult your
truck dealer for information about
special cold weather equipment and
precautions
185
Driving Hints

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

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 -
6.7L DIESEL
WARNING: Do not remove the
coolant reservoir cap when 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.
Maintain coolant concentration within
48% to 50%, which equates to a freeze
point between -30°F (-34°C) and -34°F
(-37°C). Coolant concentration should be
checked using a refractometer. We do not
recommend the use of hydrometers or
coolant test strips for measuring coolant
concentration.
Adding Coolant
WARNING: Do not add engine
coolant when the engine is hot. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
personal injury.
WARNING: Do not remove the
coolant reservoir cap when 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.
Note: Automotive fluids are not
interchangeable. Do not use coolant or
windshield washer fluid outside of its
specified function and vehicle location.
233
Maintenance

Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, cooling
system sealants, or non-specified additives
as they can cause damage to the engine
cooling or heating systems. Resulting
component damage may not be covered by
the vehicle Warranty.
It is very important to use prediluted
coolant approved to the correct
specification in order to avoid plugging the
small passageways in the engine cooling
system. See Cooling System Capacity
and Specification (page 297). Do not mix
different colors or types of coolant in your
vehicle. Mixing of engine coolants or using
an incorrect coolant may harm the engine
or cooling system components and may
not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Note: Coolants marketed for all makes and
models may not be approved to Ford
specifications and may cause damage to
the cooling system. Resulting component
damage may not be covered by the vehicle
Warranty.
If the coolant level is at or below the
minimum mark, add prediluted coolant
immediately.
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems
with a non-pressurized cap on the coolant
recovery system, add coolant to the
coolant recovery reservoir when the engine
is cool. Add prediluted coolant to the
maximum level. For all vehicles which have
a coolant degas system with a pressurized
cap, or if it is necessary to remove the
coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator,
follow these steps to add engine coolant:
1. Turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure
escapes as you unscrew the cap.
3. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with
prediluted engine coolant to within the
minimum and maximum range on the
engine coolant reservoir. If you
removed the radiator cap in an
overflow system, fill the radiator untilthe coolant is visible and the radiator
is almost full. If coolant is added to
bring the level within the minimum and
maximum range when the engine is not
cold, the system may remain under
filled.
4. Replace the coolant reservoir cap, turn
it clockwise until you feel a strong
resistance.
5. Check the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir the next few times you drive
your vehicle. If necessary, add enough
prediluted engine coolant to bring the
coolant level to the proper level.
Note:If prediluted coolant is not available,
use the approved antifreeze concentrate
diluting it to 50/50 with distilled water. See
Cooling System Capacity and
Specification (page 297). Using water that
has not been deionized may contribute to
deposit formation, corrosion or plugging of
the small cooling system passageways.
If you have to add more than 1.1 qt (1 L) of
engine coolant per month, have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Operating an engine with a low level of
coolant can result in engine overheating
and possible engine damage.
Note:During normal vehicle operation, the
coolant may change color from orange to
pink or light red. As long as the coolant is
clear and uncontaminated, this color change
does not indicate the coolant has degraded
nor does it require the coolant to be drained,
the system to be flushed, or the coolant to
be replaced.
In case of emergency, you can add a large
amount of water without prediluted
coolant in order to reach a vehicle service
location. On arrival do the following:
1. Drain the cooling system.
2. Chemically clean the cooling system.
We recommend Motorcraft Premium
Cooling System Flush.
234
Maintenance

3. Refill with prediluted coolant as soon
as possible.
Water alone, without prediluted coolant,
can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
Do not use the following as a coolant
substitute:
• Alcohol.
• Methanol.
• Brine.
• Any coolant mixed with alcohol or
methanol antifreeze.
Alcohol and other liquids can cause engine
damage from overheating or freezing.
Do not add extra inhibitors or non-specified
additives to the coolant. These can be
harmful and compromise the corrosion
protection of the coolant.
Engine and Secondary Cooling
System Refill Procedure
The following procedure should be used
when refilling the engine or secondary
cooling systems after it has been drained
or become extremely low:
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the
engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick
cloth around the cap. Slowly turn cap
counterclockwise until pressure begins
to release.
3. Step back when the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure
has been released, use the cloth to turn
the cap counterclockwise and then
remove it.
5. Slowly add prediluted engine coolant
to the coolant reservoir until the
coolant level is within the minimum
and maximum range as listed on the
reservoir.
6. Reinstall the pressure relief cap.7. Start and run the engine at 2000 rpm
for 2 minutes.
8. Shut engine off, and remove the
pressure relief cap as previously
outlined.
9. If required, add prediluted engine
coolant to the coolant reservoir until
the coolant level is within the minimum
and maximum range as listed on the
reservoir.
10. Engine cooling system: Repeat steps
5 through 9 until the coolant level has
stabilized (is no longer dropping after
each step) and the upper radiator
hose at the radiator is warm to the
touch (indicating that the engine
thermostat is open and coolant is
flowing through the radiator).
11. Check the secondary cooling system.
Repeat steps 1 through 10 until the
coolant level has stabilized (is no
longer dropping after each step) and
the lower passenger side of the
secondary radiator is warm to the
touch (indicating secondary
thermostat is open and coolant is
flowing through the entire system).
12. Check the coolant level in both
systems before you drive your vehicle
the next few times.
13. If necessary, add prediluted engine
coolant to the coolant reservoirs until
the coolant level is within the
minimum and maximum range as
listed on the reservoir. After any
coolant has been added, check the
coolant concentration.
Recycled Coolant
We do not recommend the use of recycled
coolant as an approved recycling process
is not yet available.
235
Maintenance