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.
When the engine is cold, check theconcentration and level of the coolant atthe intervals listed in the scheduledmaintenance information. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 325).
Note:Make sure that the coolant level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks on thecoolant reservoir.
Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. Thelevel may extend beyond the MAX mark.
Maintain coolant concentration within48% to 50%, which equates to a freezepoint between -30°F (-34°C) and -34°F(-37°C). Check the coolant concentrationusing a refractometer. We do notrecommend the use of hydrometers orcoolant test strips for measuring coolantconcentration.
Adding Coolant
WARNING: Do not add enginecoolant when the engine is on or thecooling system is hot. Failure to followthis instruction could result in personalinjury.
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.
Note: Automotive fluids are notinterchangeable. Do not use coolant orwindshield washer fluid outside of itsspecified function and vehicle location.
Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, coolingsystem sealants, or non-specified additivesas they can cause damage to the enginecooling or heating systems. Resultingcomponent damage may not be covered bythe vehicle Warranty.
It is very important to use predilutedcoolant approved to the correctspecification in order to avoid plugging thesmall passageways in the engine coolingsystem. See Cooling System Capacityand Specification (page 302). Do not mixdifferent colors or types of coolant in yourvehicle. Mixing of engine coolants or usingan incorrect coolant may harm the engineor cooling system components and maynot be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Note: Coolants marketed for all makes andmodels may not be approved to ourspecifications and may cause damage tothe cooling system. Resulting componentdamage may not be covered by the vehicleWarranty.
If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, add prediluted coolantimmediately.
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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 enginecoolant for optimum cooling system andengine protection.
Coolant Change
Change the coolant at specific mileageintervals as listed in the scheduledmaintenance information. The informationdisplay may display a message to changecoolant at this time. Add predilutedcoolant approved to the correctspecification. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 291).
Engine-driven Cooling Fan (FanClutch)
Your vehicle comes with an engine drivencooling fan drive, also called a fan clutch.This fan drive changes the fan speed tomatch the vehicle’s changing cooling airflow requirements. Fan speed, fan noiselevel and fuel consumption all will increasebased on the driving conditions thatinclude trailer towing, hill climbing, heavyloads, high speed and high ambienttemperature, individually or in combination.
The fan drive is designed to provide theminimum fan speed, and resultingminimum fan noise and fuel consumptionrequired to meet the ever changing vehiclecooling air flow requirements. You will hearthe amount of fan noise increasing anddecreasing as the engine powerrequirements and vehicle driving conditionschange as you drive. This is to be expectedas being normal to the operation of yourvehicle. High levels of fan noise might alsobe heard when your engine is first started,and should normally decrease after drivingfor a short time.
Fail-Safe Cooling
Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarilydrive your vehicle before any incrementalcomponent damage occurs. The fail-safedistance depends on ambienttemperature, vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat, thecoolant temperature gauge moves towardthe red zone:
A warning lamp illuminates anda message may appear in theinformation display.
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At this time, you may notice the coolanttemperature gauge moves toward the redzone and a message may appear in theinformation display.
You may notice a reduction in vehiclespeed caused by reduced engine power inorder to manage the engine coolanttemperature. Your vehicle may enter thismode if certain high-temperature andhigh-load conditions take place. Theamount of speed reduction depends onvehicle loading, grade and ambienttemperature. If this occurs, there is noneed to pull off the road. You can continueto drive your vehicle.
The air conditioning may turn on and offduring severe operating conditions toprotect the engine from overheating. Whenthe coolant temperature decreases to thenormal operating temperature, the airconditioning turns on.
If the coolant temperature gauge movesfully into the red zone, or if the coolanttemperature warning or service enginesoon messages appear in your informationdisplay, do the following:
1.Pull off the road as soon as safelypossible and shift the transmission intopark (P).
2.Leave the engine running until thecoolant temperature gauge needlereturns to the normal position. Afterseveral minutes, if the temperaturedoes not drop, follow the remainingsteps.
3.Switch the engine off and wait for it tocool. Check the coolant level.
4.If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, add prediluted coolantimmediately.
5.If the coolant level is normal, restartthe engine and continue.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
The transmission does not consume fluid.However, check the fluid level if thetransmission is not working properly, forexample if the transmission slips, shiftsslowly or if there are signs of fluid loss.
Replace the transmission fluid and filteron your vehicle at the specified serviceinterval. See Scheduled Maintenance(page 325).
Automatic transmission fluid expandswhen warmed. To check the fluid levelconsistently and accurately, do thefollowing:
1.Drive the vehicle until it reaches normaloperating temperature. This may takeup to 20 mi (30 km). Make sure thatthe transmission fluid temperaturegauge on the instrument cluster iswithin normal operating temperature196–215°F (91–102°C) beforechecking.
2.Make sure that your vehicle is on levelground.
3.With the engine running, parking brakeengaged and your foot on the brakepedal, move the gearshift lever throughall of the gear ranges. Allow sufficienttime for each gear to engage.
4.Make sure the parking brake is on. Makesure the transmission is in park (P) orneutral (N) and leave the enginerunning.
5.Open the hood. See Opening andClosing the Hood (page 223).
6.Remove the dipstick and wipe it witha clean, lint-free cloth. See UnderHood Overview (page 225).
7.Replace the dipstick and remove itagain to check the fluid level.
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For detailed interval information, seeScheduled Maintenance in your Owner'sManual or your local maintenance guide.
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
Check the power steering fluid. SeeScheduled Maintenance (page 325). Ifadding fluid is necessary, use onlyMERCON LV ATF
Check the fluid level when it is at ambienttemperature.
1.Check the fluid level in the reservoir. Itshould be between the MIN and MAXrange. Do not add fluid if the level iswithin this range.
2.If the fluid level is low, add fluid to bringthe fluid level up to between the MINand MAX range.
3.Switch the engine on.
4.While the engine idles, turn the steeringwheel left and right several times.
5.Switch the engine off.
6.Recheck the fluid level in the reservoir.Do not add fluid if the level is betweenthe MIN and MAX range.
7.If the fluid is low, add the proper typeof fluid in small amounts, continuouslychecking the level until it is betweenthe MIN and MAX range. SeeHydraulic Power Steering FluidCapacity and Specification (page312). Be sure to put the cap back on thereservoir.
CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY
WARNING: This vehicle may beequipped with more than one battery,removal of cable from only one batterydoes not disconnect the vehicleelectrical system. Be sure to disconnectcables from all batteries whendisconnecting power. Failure to do somay cause serious personal injury orproperty 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 proper 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.
Note:If your battery has a cover/shield,make sure it is reinstalled after the batteryhas been cleaned or replaced.
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Regular fuel filter changes are animportant part of engine maintenance;failing to keep with the scheduledmaintenance could lead to engineperformance issues and fuel injectionsystem damage. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 325).
Use only recommended service partsconforming to specifications. SeeMotorcraft Parts (page 293).
Note:Using fuel that has high levels ofimpurities may require more frequent filterreplacements than the service intervalspecifies.
Diesel Fuel Conditioner ModuleFilter
Removal
1.Access the underside of your vehicle.
2.The diesel fuel conditioner module ison the left-hand frame rail.
3.Drain the diesel fuel conditionermodule. Turn the drain plugcounterclockwise until it stops. Do notuse any tools to loosen the drain plug.Drain the filter, approximately 0.5 gal(2 L), into an appropriate container.Do not re-use the fuel drained from themodule.
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AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM
INSPECTION
WARNING: When performingmaintenance to any turbocharged enginewith engine air inlet piping disconnected,keep loose clothing, jewelry and long hairaway from the engine air inlet piping. Aturbocharger compressor air inletprotective shield should be installed overthe turbocharger air inlet to reduce therisk of personal injury or death.
Perform a complete inspection of the airinduction system annually.
In areas where road salt is used,disassemble the joints of each aluminumcomponent and inspect for salt build-upand presence of chlorine that can causealuminum particles to flake off and enterthe engine combustion chambers. Ifevidence of corrosion is found (usually atthe pipe connections), use a wire brush toclean the inside of the pipes and inside therubber hoses.
If pitting is evident at the joint ends of theintake pipes, use Motorcraft SiliconeGasket and Sealant TA-30 to seal thejoints. Make sure no excess material, whichcan pull into the engine, is on the inside ofthe pipes. If the service condition of thepipes, hoses or clamps is questionable,replace the defective part(s).
Make sure to clean all dust and debris outof the pipes and couplings with a clean,damp rag before reassembly.
Chassis-mounted Charge AirCooler
Visually inspect the core assembly fordebris and clogging of external fins withthe engine off.
Before engine operation, remove any debrisblocking the core.
•Turbocharger-to-charge air cooler.
•Charge air cooler-to-intake manifoldpipe.
•Mounting bracket.
•Chassis-mounted charge air coolercore.
Inspect air intake piping:
•Check for accumulation of saltdeposits (where applicable). If present,disassemble and clean the completeair intake piping system. If pitting isevident on the intake piping, useMotorcraft Silicone Gasket and SealantTA-30 to seal joints against leakage.
•Check for loose hoses and clamps.
•Check for ruptured or collapsed hoses.
•Check air cleaner housing for cracks.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
INSPECTION
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with acatalytic converter or muffler, do not blendwaste oil with diesel fuel. Operate only onultra-low sulfur (less than 15 parts permillion sulfur) diesel fuel with a cetanevalue of 45 or higher.
If your diesel engine is equipped with acatalytic converter, it is important to reviewthe maintenance schedule to make sureproper functioning of the catalyticconverter. Also, take precautions not todamage the catalytic converter whenservicing your engine or storing yourvehicle.
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BRAKE SYSTEM INSPECTION
WARNING: Always wear arespirator approved by the NationalInstitute of Occupational Studies ofHealth (NIOSH) or Mine Safety andAppliance (MSA) during all brake serviceprocedures. Wear the respirator fromremoval of the wheels through assembly.Never use compressed air or dry brushingto clean brake parts or assemblies.Clean brake parts and assemblies inopen air. During assembly, carefullyplace all parts on the floor to avoidgetting dust in the air. Use an industrialvacuum cleaner with a HEPA filtersystem to clean dust from the brakedrums, backing plates and other brakeparts. After using the vacuum, removeany remaining dust with a rag soaked inwater and wrung until nearly dry.Never use compressed air or drysweeping to clean the work area. Use anindustrial vacuum cleaner with a HEPAfilter system and rags soaked in waterand wrung until nearly dry. Dispose ofused rags with care to avoid getting dustin the air. Use an approved respiratorwhen emptying vacuum cleaners andhandling used rags.Worker clean-up: Wash your handsbefore eating, drinking or smoking.Vacuum your work clothes after use andthen launder them separately, withoutshaking them, to prevent fiber dustgetting into the air.
Your vehicle is equipped withnon-asbestos brake linings. However,exposure to excessive amounts of brakematerial (whether asbestos ornon-asbestos, fiberglass, mineral wool,aramid or carbon) may be a serious healthhazard.
Air Brakes
WARNING: Do not manually adjustthe automatic slack adjusters to correctexcessive push rod stroke as it may resultin reduced brake effectiveness and avehicle crash. Excessive push rod strokeindicates that a problem exists with theautomatic adjuster, with the installationof the adjuster, or with foundation brakecomponents that manual adjustmentdoes not remedy. Seek service from aqualified facility for excessive push rodstroke.
Inspection and Adjustment
Establish a regular schedule for periodiccleaning, lubrication and adjustmentinspection based on vehicle use. Exactmaintenance intervals are difficult topredetermine due to vehicle applicationsand operating conditions. If you areuncertain of the proper schedule for yourvehicle, contact an authorized dealer.
Regular inspections should include:
•Periodic checking (every serviceinterval) of push rod travel or brakeadjustment. This is essential foreffective braking. Brake chamber pushrods on original equipment chambersnow incorporate an orange paintmarker near the base of the push rod
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as a stroke indicator to aid inadjustment checks. If the push rod isclean and the brakes are out ofadjustment, you can see the orangemarker protruding from the chamberwhen the brakes are applied.
•Checking the brake lining (every serviceinterval). When brake linings or blockswear within 0.063 in (1.6 mm) theymust be replaced.
•Periodic checking (every serviceinterval) of the air compressor filter.Check the filter minder and when theindicator is near or on the red linemarked Service, replace the filter andreset the service filter minder.
Do not back off or disconnect the frontbrakes so that they are less effective,letting the rear brakes do all the stoppingof your vehicle. Do not overlook the brakeson the trailer either. Brake condition on thetrailer is just as important as the tractor.Proper brake balance on trucks andtractor-trailers is essential for effectivebraking.
Once a year, inspect the entire brakesystem:
•Rubber components for deterioration.A qualified technician should inspectthese components and replace themas necessary. Replacement intervalsvary according to the severity andlength of vehicle service.
•Condition of brake drums, brakechambers and slack adjusters.
•System for air leaks.
•Hose or pipes for rust, damage anddeterioration.
•Operation of service and parkingbrakes.
Periodically inspect parts such as air brakechamber diaphragm, air compressor andair cleaner. Replace any parts if you canconsider them unserviceable.
Air Dryer
Climactic conditions affect performanceof desiccant or after-cooler type air dryers.You must establish a maintenanceschedule for each specific operation.
The use of an air dryer on a vehicle doesnot eliminate the need to drain the airreservoirs periodically.
Inspect for moisture in the air system byopening reservoirs, draincocks or valvesand checking for presence of water. Thepresence of small amounts of water dueto condensation is normal and is not anindication that the dryer is not functioningproperly.
Replace or rebuild the desiccant cartridgewhen you determine that the desiccant iscontaminated and does not have adequatewater absorption capacity. The desiccantchange interval may vary. A generalrecommendation is to replace thedesiccant every 12 months (yearly). Ifexperience has shown that extended orshortened life has resulted for a particularinstallation, then the yearly interval can beincreased or decreased accordingly.
Draining the Air Brake Reservoir
WARNING: Failure to drain airbrake reservoirs can result in a reductionor loss of braking ability due to fluidaccumulation in the reservoir and/orpossible freeze-up during cold weather.
Completely drain all the air brake reservoirsdaily by opening the draincock at the endsof the tanks. (Where accessible.Pull-chains are used when the drains areundercab or otherwise inaccessible.) Closethe draincock after draining. Manually drain
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