2024 FORD F650/750 maintenance

Follow your community’s regulations andstandards for recycling and disposing ofautomotive fluids.
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
At specific mileage intervals, as listed inthe scheduled maintenance information,the coolant should be changed. Theinstrument cluster display may display amessage to change coolant at this time.Add prediluted coolant approved to thecorrect specification. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 291).
Engine-driven Cooling Fan (FanClutch)
Your vehicle may have 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 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 consumption)required to meet the ever changing vehiclecooling air flow requirements. You can hearfan noise increasing and decreasing as theengine power requirements and vehicledriving conditions change as you drive. Thisis to be expected as being normal to theoperation of your vehicle. High levels of fannoise might also be heard when yourengine is first started, and should normallydecrease after driving for a short time.
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK -
7.3L
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.
WARNING: Do not put coolant inthe windshield washer reservoir. Ifsprayed on the windshield, coolant couldmake it difficult to see through thewindshield.
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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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For vehicles with overflow coolant systemswith a non-pressurized cap on the coolantrecovery system, add coolant to thecoolant recovery reservoir when the engineis cool. Add prediluted coolant to themaximum level. For all vehicles which havea coolant degas system with a pressurizedcap, or if it is necessary to remove thecoolant 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 pressureescapes as you unscrew the cap.
3.Fill the coolant reservoir slowly withprediluted engine coolant to within theminimum and maximum range on theengine coolant reservoir. If youremoved the radiator cap in anoverflow system, fill the radiator untilthe coolant is visible and the radiatoris almost full. If coolant is added tobring the level within the minimum andmaximum range when the engine is notcold, the system may remainunderfilled.
4.Replace the coolant reservoir cap. Turnthe cap clockwise until it contacts thehard stop.
5.Check the coolant level in the coolantreservoir the next few times you driveyour vehicle. If necessary, add enoughprediluted engine coolant to bring thecoolant level to the proper level.
Note:If prediluted coolant is not available,use the approved antifreeze concentratediluting it to 50/50 with distilled water. SeeCooling System Capacity andSpecification (page 302). Using water thathas not been deionized may contribute todeposit formation, corrosion or plugging ofthe small cooling system passageways.
If you have to add more than 1.1 qt (1 L) ofengine coolant per month, have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.Operating an engine with a low level ofcoolant can result in engine overheatingand possible engine damage.
Note:During normal vehicle operation, thecoolant may change color from orange topink or light red. As long as the coolant isclear and uncontaminated, this color changedoes not indicate the coolant has degradednor does it require the coolant to be drained,the system to be flushed, or the coolant tobe replaced.
Note:In case of emergency, you can add alarge amount of water without coolant inorder to reach a vehicle service location.Water alone, without coolant, can causeengine damage from corrosion, overheatingor freezing. When you reach a servicelocation, you must have the cooling systemdrained, flushed and refilled using thecorrect specification prediluted coolant orantifreeze concentrate. See CoolingSystem Capacity and Specification (page302).
Do not use the following as a coolantsubstitute:
•Alcohol.
•Methanol.
•Brine.
•Any coolant mixed with alcohol ormethanol antifreeze.
Alcohol and other liquids can cause enginedamage from overheating or freezing.
Do not add extra inhibitors or additives tothe coolant. These can be harmful andcompromise the corrosion protection ofthe coolant.
Recycled Coolant
We do not recommend the use of recycledcoolant as an approved recycling processis not yet available.
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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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If the engine reaches a presetover-temperature condition, the engineswitches to alternating cylinder operation.Each disabled cylinder acts as an air pumpand cools the engine.
When this occurs, your vehicle stilloperates, however:
•Engine power is limited.
•The air conditioning system turns off.
Continued operation increases the enginetemperature, causing the engine tocompletely shut down. Your steering andbraking effort increases in this situation.
When the engine temperature cools, youcan re-start the engine. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible to minimizeengine damage.
When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated
WARNING: Fail-safe mode is foruse during emergencies only. Operateyour vehicle in fail-safe mode only aslong as necessary to bring your vehicleto rest in a safe location and seekimmediate repairs. When in fail-safemode, your vehicle will have limitedpower, will not be able to maintainhigh-speed operation, and maycompletely shut down without warning,potentially losing engine power, powersteering assist, and power brake assist,which may increase the possibility of acrash resulting in serious injury.
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.
Your vehicle has limited engine powerwhen in the fail-safe mode, drive yourvehicle with caution. Your vehicle does notmaintain high-speed operation and theengine may operate poorly.
Remember that the engine is capable ofshutting down to prevent engine damage.In this situation:
1.Pull off the road as soon as safelypossible and switch the engine off.
2.If you are a member of a roadsideassistance program, we recommendthat you contact your roadsideassistance service provider.
3.If this is not possible, wait a shortperiod for the engine to cool.
4.Check the coolant level. If the coolantlevel is at or below the minimum mark,add prediluted coolant immediately.
5.When the engine temperature cools,you can re-start the engine. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible tominimize engine damage.
Note: Driving your vehicle without repairincreases the chance of engine damage.
Engine Coolant TemperatureManagement (If Equipped)
WARNING: To reduce the risk ofcrash and injury, be prepared that thevehicle speed may reduce and thevehicle may not be able to acceleratewith full power until the coolanttemperature reduces.
If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, theengine may temporarily reach a highertemperature during severe operatingconditions, for example ascending a longor steep grade in high ambienttemperatures.
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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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8.If the fluid level is correct, replace thedipstick and make sure it is fully seated.
Note:If the fluid level is between themaximum and minimum marks, the fluidlevel is acceptable. Do not add fluid.
Transmission Fluid Level
Low Fluid Level
If the fluid level is at or below the minimummark, add fluid immediately. SeeAutomatic Transmission FluidCapacity and Specification (page 307).
Note:If there is no indication of fluid on thedipstick, have your vehicle checkedimmediately.
Correct Fluid Level
Make sure that the fluid level is betweenthe maximum and minimum marks.
High Fluid Level
Do not add fluid further than the maximummark. Fluid levels above the maximummark could cause shift or engagementconcerns and possible damage.
Note:An overheating condition can causehigh fluid levels.
Adding Transmission Fluid
Do not use supplemental transmissionfluid additives, treatments or cleaningagents. The use of these materials couldaffect transmission operation and resultin damage to internal transmissioncomponents and could lead totransmission damage that the vehicleWarranty does not cover.
Use only recommended transmission fluidthat meets our specifications. SeeAutomatic Transmission FluidCapacity and Specification (page 307).
Note:Use of a non-approved automatictransmission fluid could cause internaltransmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 8 fl oz (250 ml)increments through the filler tube until thelevel is correct.
If an overfill occurs, remove excess fluidand have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
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BRAKE FLUID CHECK
WARNING: Do not use any fluidother than the recommended brake fluidas this will reduce brake efficiency. Useof incorrect fluid could result in the lossof vehicle control, serious personal injuryor death.
WARNING: Only use brake fluidfrom a sealed container. Contaminationwith dirt, water, petroleum products orother materials may result in brakesystem damage or failure. Failure toadhere to this warning could result in theloss of vehicle control, serious personalinjury or death.
WARNING: Do not allow the fluidto touch your skin or eyes. If thishappens, rinse the affected areasimmediately with plenty of water andcontact your physician.
WARNING: The brake systemcould be affected if the brake fluid levelis below the MIN mark or above the MAXmark on the brake fluid reservoir.
1.Park your vehicle on a level surface.
2.Look at the brake fluid reservoir to seewhere the brake fluid level is relativeto the MIN and the MAX marks on thereservoir.
Note:If the brake fluid level is between theMIN and the MAX marks on the reservoir, itis acceptable.
Note:If the brake fluid level is below theMIN mark or above the MAX mark, haveyour vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Note:To avoid fluid contamination, thereservoir cap must remain in place and fullytight, unless you are adding fluid.
Only use fluid that meets ourspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 291).
Brake Fluid Service Interval
Brake fluid absorbs water over time whichdegrades the effectiveness of the brakefluid. Change the brake fluid at thespecified intervals to prevent degradedbraking performance.
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