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
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
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
Avoid driving too fast during the first
1,000 mi (1,600 km). Vary your speed
frequently and change up through the
gears early. Do not labor the engine.
Drive your new vehicle at least 1,000 mi
(1,600 km) before towing a trailer. Make
sure you use the specified engine oil. See
Engine Oil Capacity and Specification
(page 292).
Do not add friction modifier compounds
or special break-in oils during the first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation.
These additives may prevent piston ring
seating.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
WARNING: Do not drive through
flowing or deep water as you may lose
control of your vehicle.
Note:Driving through standing water can
cause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,
check the depth. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the wheel
hubs.
E176913E176913
When driving through standing water, drive
very slowly and do not stop your vehicle.
Your brake performance and traction may
be limited. After driving through water and
as soon as it is safe to do so:
• Lightly press the brake pedal to dry the
brakes and to check that they work.
• Check that the horn works.
• Check that the exterior lights work.
• Turn the steering wheel to check that
the steering power assist works.
Operation in Standing Water
Ingestion of water into the diesel engine
can result in immediate and severe
damage to the engine. If driving through
water, slow down to avoid splashing water
into the intake. If the engine stalls, and you
suspect ingestion of water into the engine,
do not try to restart the engine. Consult
your dealer for service immediately.
Your fuel tank vents to the atmosphere by
valves on top of the tank and through the
fuel cap. If water reaches the top of the
tank, the valves may pull water into the
fuel tank. Water in the fuel can cause
performance issues and damage the fuel
injection system.
187
Driving Hints
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
Engine Oil
We recommend Motorcraft motor oil for
your vehicle. If Motorcraft motor oil is not
available, use motor oil of the
recommended viscosity grade that meets
our specification WSS-M2C171-F1. You can
find the list of approved motor oils at
www.motorcraft.com.
Do not use engine oil additives as they
could lead to engine damage not covered
by your vehicle warranty.
The use of correct oil viscosities for diesel
engines is important for satisfactory
operation. Determine which oil viscosity
best suits the temperature range you
expect to encounter for the next service
interval from the SAE Viscosity Grades
chart.
Note:An engine block heater is
recommended at temperatures below
–10°F (–23°C).
E327351E327351
293
Capacities and Specifications
We recommend Motorcraft motor oil for
your vehicle. If Motorcraft oil is not
available, use motor oils of the
recommended viscosity grade that display
the API Certification Mark for gasolineengines.
Do not use supplemental engine oil
additives because they are unnecessary
and could lead to engine damage that your
vehicle warranty does not cover.
Capacities
Including the Oil Filter Variant
8.0 qt (7.57 L) All.
Materials
Specification Name
WSS-M2C961-A1 Motorcraft® SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend Motor
Oil(U.S.)
Motorcraft® SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil
/ Huile moteur de très haute qualité SAE 5W-30
Motorcraft®(Canada)
XO-5W30-Q1SP(U.S.)
CXO-5W30-LSP6(Canada)
Alternative Engine Oil for
Extremely Cold Climates
To improve engine cold start performance,
we recommend that you use the following
alternative engine oil in extremely cold
climates, where the ambient temperature
reaches -22°F (-30°C) or below.
Materials
Specification Name
WSS-M2C963-A1 Engine Oil - SAE 0W-30 - Synthetic Blend
296
Capacities and Specifications
A message appears in the information
display when it is time for an oil change.
Make sure you perform the oil change
within two weeks or 500 mi (800 km) of
the message appearing. Make sure you
reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after
each oil change. See Instrument Cluster
(page 63).
If your information display resets
prematurely or becomes inoperative, you
should perform the oil change interval at
six months or 5,000 mi (8,000 km) from
your last oil change. Never exceed one year
or 10,000 mi (16,000 km) between oil
change intervals.
All Vehicles
Your vehicle is very sophisticated and built
with multiple, complex, performance
systems. Every manufacturer develops
these systems using different
specifications and performance features.
That is why it is important to rely upon your
dealership to properly diagnose and repair
your vehicle.
Ford Motor Company has recommended
maintenance intervals for various parts
and component systems based upon
engineering testing. Ford Motor Company
relies upon this testing to determine the
most appropriate mileage for replacement
of oils and fluids to protect your vehicle at
the lowest overall cost to you and
recommends against maintenance
schedules that deviate from the scheduled
maintenance information.
We strongly recommend the use of only
genuine Ford, Motorcraft or
Ford-authorized re-manufactured
replacement parts engineered for your
vehicle.Additives and Chemicals
This owner's manual and the Ford
Workshop Manual list the recommended
additives and chemicals for your vehicle.
We do not recommend using chemicals or
additives not approved by us as part of
your vehicle’s normal maintenance. Please
consult your warranty information.
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a
normal operating characteristic and, by
itself, does not necessarily indicate a
concern or that the fluid needs to be
changed. However, a qualified expert, such
as the factory-trained technicians at your
dealership, should inspect discolored fluids
that also show signs of overheating or
foreign material contamination
immediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle’s oils and
fluids at the specified intervals or in
conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a
viable way to change fluid for many vehicle
sub-systems during scheduled
maintenance. It is critical that systems are
flushed only with new fluid that is the same
as that required to fill and operate the
system or using a Ford-approved flushing
chemical.
Scheduled Maintenance Services
Maintenance service adjustments must
conform to specifications contained in this
manual, and those shown on the Important
Engine Information decal. Perform the
following services at scheduled intervals
because they essential to the life and
performance of your vehicle. Ford
recommends that you perform
maintenance on all designated items to
achieve best vehicle operation.
320
Scheduled Maintenance