
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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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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Note:Battery posts, terminals and relatedaccessories contain lead and leadcompounds. Wash hands after handling.
Note:Electrical or electronic accessoriesor components added to the vehicle by thedealer or the owner may adversely affectbattery performance and durability.
Your vehicle is equipped with a Motorcraftmaintenance-free battery which normallydoes not require additional water duringits life of service.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep thetop of the battery clean and dry. Also,make certain the battery cables are alwaystightly fastened to the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery orterminals, remove the cables from theterminals and clean with a wire brush. Youcan neutralize the acid with a solution ofbaking soda and water.
It is recommended that the negativebattery cable terminal be disconnectedfrom the battery if you plan to store yourvehicle for an extended period of time.
Because your vehicle’s engine iselectronically controlled by a computer,some control conditions are maintainedby power from the battery. When thebattery is disconnected or a new batteryis installed, the engine must relearn its idleand fuel trim strategy for optimumdriveability and performance. To begin thisprocess
1.With the vehicle at a complete stop,set the parking brake.
2.Put the gearshift in park (P) or neutral(N) and turn off all accessories.
3.Start the engine. Run the engine untilit reaches normal operatingtemperature.
4.Allow the engine to idle for at least oneminute.
5.Turn the air conditioning (if equipped)on and allow the engine to idle for atleast one minute.
6.Release the parking brake. With yourfoot on the brake pedal and with theair conditioning on, put the vehicle indrive (D) and allow the engine to idlefor at least one minute.
•If you do not allow the engine torelearn its idle trim, the idle qualityof your vehicle may be adverselyaffected until the idle trim iseventually relearned.
7.Drive the vehicle to complete therelearning process
•The vehicle may need to be driven10 mi (16 km) or more to relearn theidle and fuel trim strategy alongwith the ethanol content for flexiblefuel vehicles.
If the battery has been disconnected or anew battery has been installed, the clockand radio settings must be reset once thebattery is reconnected.
Always dispose of automotivebatteries in a responsible manner.Follow your local authorized standardsfor disposal. Call your local authorizedrecycling center to find out more aboutrecycling automotive batteries.
Battery Management System (IfEquipped)
The battery management system (BMS)monitors battery conditions and takesactions to extend battery life. If excessivebattery drain is detected, the system maytemporarily disable certain electricalfeatures to protect the battery. Thoseelectrical accessories affected include therear defrost, heated/cooled seats, climatecontrol fan, heated steering wheel, audioand navigation system. A message may beshown in the information displays to alert
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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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any air tanks equipped with automaticmoisture ejector valves, as required, tomaintain a dry air system. Contact anauthorized dealer if you are unsure of theair reservoir locations or the drainingprocedure.
Hydraulic Brakes
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:
•Checking the brake lining (every serviceinterval). Establish inspection intervalsthat provide for lining replacementbefore damage to the disc occurs.Excessive lining wear may expose thebacking plate to the disc causingscoring of the disc faces. A qualifiedtechnician should perform this
inspection and keep to instructionsprovided by the service manual.Hydraulic brake systems arepower-assisted. There is a greatreduction in braking capabilitieswithout engine assist.
•Proper fluid level. The level should beat the bottom edge of the ring on eachreservoir fill port. Do not fill the mastercylinder to the top of the reservoir. Iffluid level requires attention tomaintain a proper master cylinder level,this is an indication of either severeoperation (pad wear) or fluid leakage.A more frequent and thorough brakeinspection is required.
•Brake lines, hoses and fittings. Repairor replace brake line tubes, hoses orfittings as required. Inspect thesecomponents every 4,000 mi(6,000 km) for the following.
•Lines for kinks, dents, corrosion orrupture.
•Hoses for abrasions, kinks, softspots or rupture, collapse, cracks,twists or loose frame supports.When replacing a hose, be surethere is adequate clearance to thehose to avoid an abrasion to thenew hose.
•All connections for leaks.
Driveline Parking Brake
WARNING: Use wheel chocks andexercise caution when inspecting underthe vehicle. A vehicle roll-away couldresult in property damage, personal injuryor death.
A qualified technician should adjust theparking brake and keep to the instructionsin the service manual.
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