FORD F-550 2020 Owners Manual

GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNING: Extended idling at high
engine speeds can produce very high
temperatures in the engine and exhaust
system, creating the risk of fire or other
damage. WARNING:
Do not park, idle or
drive your vehicle on dry grass or other
dry ground cover. The emission system
heats up the engine compartment and
exhaust system, creating the risk of fire. WARNING: Do not start the engine
in a closed garage or in other enclosed
areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic.
Always open the garage door before you
start the engine. WARNING:
Exhaust leaks may
result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger
compartment. If you smell exhaust
fumes inside your vehicle, have your
vehicle inspected immediately. Do not
drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
If you disconnect the battery, your vehicle
may exhibit some unusual driving
characteristics for approximately
5.0 mi
(8 km) after you reconnect it. This is
because the engine management system
must realign itself with the engine. You can
disregard any unusual driving
characteristics during this period.
The powertrain control system meets all
Canadian interference-causing equipment
standard requirements regulating the
impulse electrical field or radio noise.
When you start the engine, avoid pressing
the accelerator pedal before and during
operation. Only use the accelerator pedal
when you have difficulty starting the
engine. If your vehicle is operated in a heavy snow
storm or blowing snow conditions, the
engine air induction may become partially
clogged with snow and ice. If this occurs,
the engine may experience a significant
reduction in power output. At the earliest
opportunity, clear all the snow and ice
away from the air induction inlet.
IGNITION SWITCH
0 (off) - The ignition is off.
Note: When you switch the ignition off and
leave your vehicle, do not leave your key in
the ignition. This could cause your vehicle
battery to lose charge.
I
(accessory) - Allows the electrical
accessories, such as the radio, to operate
while the engine is not running.
Note: Do not leave the ignition key in this
position for too long. This could cause your
vehicle battery to lose charge.
II
(on) - All electrical circuits are
operational and the warning lamps and
indicators illuminate.
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III (start) - Cranks the engine.
KEYLESS STARTING
(IF EQUIPPED)
Note: The keyless starting system may not
function if the key is close to metal objects
or electronic devices such as cellular
phones.
Note: A valid key must be located inside
your vehicle to switch the ignition on and
start the engine. The keyless starting system has three
modes:
Off:
Turns the ignition off.
• Without applying the clutch pedal for
manual transmissions, or brake pedal
for automatic transmissions, press and
release the button once when the
ignition is in the on mode, or when the
engine is running but the vehicle is not
moving.
On:
All electrical circuits are operational
and the warning lamps and indicators
illuminate.
• Without applying the clutch pedal for
manual transmissions, or brake pedal
for automatic transmissions, press and
release the button once.
Start:
Starts the vehicle. •
Press the clutch pedal for manual
transmissions, or brake pedal for
automatic transmissions, and then
press the button for any length of time.
An indicator light on the button
illuminates when then ignition is on and
when the engine starts.
STARTING A GASOLINE
ENGINE - 6.2L/7.3L
When you start the engine, the idle speed
increases. This helps to warm up the
engine.
If the engine idle speed does not slow
down, see an authorized dealer.
Before starting the engine check the
following:
• Make sure all occupants fasten their
seat belt.
• Make sure the headlamps and
electrical accessories are off.
• Make sure the parking brake is on.
• Make sure the transmission is in park
(P).
• Turn the ignition key to the on position.
Note: Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Turn the key to the start position to start your vehicle.
3. When the engine starts, release the key
and then gradually release the brake
pedal as the engine speed increases.
Note: The engine may continue cranking
for up to 15 seconds or until it starts.
Note: If you cannot start the engine on the
first try, wait for a short period and try again.
Vehicles with an Ignition Key
Note: Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
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2. Turn the key to position III to start the
engine.
3. When the engine starts, release the brake pedal.
Do not crank the engine for more than 10
seconds as starter damage may occur. If
the engine does not start, switch the
ignition off and wait 30 seconds before
trying again.
Vehicles with Keyless Start
Note: Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
Note: If you press the push button ignition
switch again prior to the engine starting, the
ignition switches to accessory mode and
will not start.
Note: If you release the brake pedal before
the engine starts, follow the engine start
sequence again.
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Press the center of the push button ignition switch.
3. When the engine starts, release the brake pedal.
Failure to Start
If you cannot start the engine after three
attempts, wait 10 seconds and follow this
procedure:
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal and hold it there.
3. Start the engine.
Stopping the Engine When Your
Vehicle is Stationary
1. When your vehicle has stopped, shift into park (P) and switch the ignition
off.
2. Apply the parking brake. Stopping the Engine When Your
Vehicle is Moving WARNING:
Switching off the
engine when your vehicle is still moving
results in a significant decrease in
braking assistance. Higher effort is
required to apply the brakes and to stop
your vehicle. A significant decrease in
steering assistance could also occur. The
steering does not lock, but higher effort
could be required to steer your vehicle.
When you switch the ignition off, some
electrical circuits, for example airbags,
also turn off. If you unintentionally switch
the ignition off, shift into neutral (N) and
restart the engine.
1. Put the transmission into neutral (N) and use the brakes to bring your vehicle
to a safe stop.
2. When your vehicle has stopped, shift into park (P) and switch the ignition
off.
3. Apply the parking brake.
Automatic Engine Shutdown
If your vehicle has a keyless ignition, it has
a feature that shuts down the engine if it
has been idling for an extended period of
time. The ignition also turns off in order to
save battery power. Before the engine
shuts down, a message appears in the
information display showing a timer
counting down from 30 seconds. If you do
not intervene within 30 seconds, the engine
shuts down. Another message appears in
the information display to inform you that
the engine has shut down in order to save
fuel. Start your vehicle as you normally do.
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Cold Weather Starting (Flexible
Fuel Vehicles Only)
The starting characteristics of all grades
of E85 ethanol make it unsuitable for use
when ambient temperatures fall below
0°F (-18°C). Consult your fuel distributor
for the availability of winter grade ethanol.
As the outside temperature approaches
freezing, ethanol fuel distributors should
supply winter grade ethanol, the same as
with unleaded gasoline.
If summer grade ethanol is used in cold
weather conditions, 0°F (-18°C), you may
experience increased cranking times, rough
idle or hesitation until the engine has
warmed up.
You may experience a decrease in
performance when the engine is cold when
operating on E85 ethanol.
Do not use starting fluid such as ether in
the air intake system. Such fluid could
cause immediate explosive damage to the
engine and possible personal injury.
If you should experience cold weather
starting problems on E85 ethanol, and
neither an alternative brand of E85 ethanol
nor an engine block heater is available, the
addition of unleaded gasoline to your tank
improves cold starting performance. Your
vehicle is designed to operate on E85
ethanol alone, unleaded gasoline alone, or
any mixture of the two.
If the Engine Fails to Start Using the
Preceding Instructions (Flexible Fuel
Vehicles Only)
1. Press the accelerator pedal down one-third to one-half of its travel, and
then crank the engine.
2. When the engine starts, release the key, then gradually release the
accelerator pedal as the engine speed
increases. If the engine still does not
start, repeat Step 1. Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes WARNING:
Exhaust leaks may
result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger
compartment. If you smell exhaust
fumes inside your vehicle, have your
vehicle inspected immediately. Do not
drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
Important Ventilating Information
If you stop your vehicle and then leave the
engine idling for long periods of time, we
recommend that you do one of the
following:
• Open the windows at least
1 in
(2.5 cm).
• Set your climate control to outside air.
STARTING A DIESEL ENGINE -
6.7L DIESEL
Read all starting instructions carefully
before you start your vehicle.
For temperatures below
32°F (0°C), the
use of the correct grade engine oil is
essential for proper operation. Refer to
engine oil specifications for more
information. See
Engine Block Heater
(page 176).
Your vehicle may have a cold weather
starting strategy that prevents severe
engine damage by assisting in engine
lubrication warm-up. In extremely cold
ambient temperatures, this strategy
activates and prevents the accelerator
pedal from being used for 30 seconds after
you start your vehicle. A message appears
in the information display as your vehicle
warms up. By not allowing the accelerator
pedal to be used, the engine oil is allowed
to properly lubricate the bearings
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preventing engine damage due to lack of
proper lubrication. After the 30 second
warm-up period, the accelerator pedal
becomes operational again and a message
appears informing you the vehicle is ok to
drive.
When you start the engine in extremely
cold temperatures -15°F (-26°C), we
recommend that you allow the engine to
idle for several minutes before you drive
the vehicle.
Before starting the engine check the
following:
• Make sure all occupants fasten their
seatbelt.
• Make sure the headlamps and
electrical accessories are off.
• Make sure the parking brake is on.
• Make sure the transmission is in park
(P).
Note: Do not press the accelerator during
starting.
Vehicles with an Ignition Key
Note: Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Turn the key to position
II
Note: A message appears: Engine Start
Pending, Please Wait.
3. Wait until the engine glow-plug indicator turns off.
4. Turn the key to position
III to start the
engine.
5. When the engine starts, release the brake pedal.
Do not crank the engine for more than 10
seconds as starter damage may occur. If
the engine does not start, switch the
ignition off and wait 30 seconds before
trying again. Vehicles with Keyless Start
Note:
Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
Note: If the push button ignition switch is
pressed again prior to the engine starting,
the ignition switches to accessory mode and
does not start.
Note: If you release the brake pedal before
the engine starts, follow the engine start
sequence again.
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Press the center of the push button ignition switch.
Note: A message appears: Engine Start
Pending, Please Wait.
3. When the engine starts, release the brake pedal.
Diesel Engine Fast Start Glow Plug
System
The diesel engine glow system consists of:
• Eight glow plugs, one per cylinder.
• Glow Plug Control Module.
• Engine Coolant Temperature sensor.
• Barometric pressure sensor.
• Environmental temperature sensor.
The powertrain and glow plug control
modules electronically control the glow
plug system. After you switch the ignition
on, the glow plug control module
immediately energizes the glow plugs. The
glow plug control module uses the engine
coolant temperature, barometric pressure
sensor and environmental temperature
sensor to determine how long the glow
plugs stay energized. The required time for
the glow plugs to be energized decreases
as the coolant temperature, barometric
pressure and environmental temperature
increase.
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Automatic Engine Shutdown
If your vehicle is equipped with a keyless
ignition, it has a feature that automatically
shuts down the engine if it has been idling
for an extended period. The ignition also
turns off in order to save battery power.
Before the engine shuts down, a message
appears in the information display showing
a timer counting down from 30 seconds.
If you do not intervene within 30 seconds,
the engine shuts down. Another message
appears in the information display to
inform you that the engine has shut down
in order to save fuel. Start your vehicle as
you normally do.
Cold Weather Starting
WARNING: Do not use starting
fluid, for example ether, in the air intake
system. Such fluid could cause
immediate explosive damage to the
engine and possible personal injury. WARNING:
Do not mix diesel with
gasoline, gasohol or alcohol. This could
cause an explosion.
We recommend that the engine block
heater be used for starting when the
temperature is -9°F (-23°C) or colder. See
Engine Block Heater
(page 176).
When operating in cold weather, you may
use Motorcraft® cetane improvers or
non-alcohol-based cetane improvers from
a reputable manufacturer as needed. Switch the ignition on. Do not
start the engine until the
glow-plug indicator turns off. When the glow plug pre-heat indicator
turns off, turn the key to start. After you
start the engine, the glow plugs may
remain on for a period. If you do not start
the engine before the glow plug activation
time ends, you need to reset the glow plugs
by switching the ignition off. After the
engine starts, allow it to idle for about 15
seconds. This protects the engine. Do not
increase engine speed until the oil pressure
gauge indicates normal pressure.
Cold Weather Operation
Note:
Idling in cold weather does not heat
the engine to its normal operating
temperature. Long periods of idling,
especially in cold weather, can cause a
buildup of deposits which can cause engine
damage.
Change to a lighter grade engine oil to
make starting easier under these
conditions. Refer to engine oil
specifications. See
Engine Block Heater
(page 176).
Diesel fuel is adjusted seasonally for cold
temperatures. Diesel fuel which has not
been properly formulated for the ambient
conditions may gel which can clog the fuel
filters. One indication that the fuel filter(s)
may be clogged is if the engine starts, stalls
after a short time, and then does not
restart. If you have been using biodiesel,
you may need to use a fuel with lower
biodiesel content, try another brand, or
discontinue using biodiesel. Do not use
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 Block Heater (page
176).
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Your vehicle has 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
recommend that the fuel level in your tank
should not drop below ¼ full. This helps
prevent air from entering the fuel system
and stalling the engine.
Your vehicle has a selective catalytic
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, take special care to
prevent damage to the tank. See
Selective Catalytic Reductant System
(page
191).
In cold weather below
32°F (0°C), the
engine may slowly increase to a higher idle
speed if you leave it idling in park (P). As
the engine warms-up, the engine sound
level decreases due to the activation of
PCM-controlled sound reduction features.
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 and ice away from inside the
air filter assembly. Remove the air cleaner
cover and the air filter and remove any
snow or ice. Remove any debris, snow or
ice, on the foam filter by brushing the
surface with a soft brush. Once you have
cleared all of the debris, reinstall the air
filter and cover.
Do not use water, solvents, or a hard brush
for cleaning the foam filter. WARNING:
To reduce the risk of
vehicle damage and personal burn
injuries, do not start your engine with the
air cleaner 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.
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We recommend the following cold
weather idling guidelines:
•
You can use Motorcraft® cetane
improvers or non-alcohol-based
cetane improvers from a reputable
manufacturer as needed.
• Maintain the engine cooling system
properly.
• Avoid shutting the engine down after
an extensive idling period. Drive your
vehicle for several miles with the
engine at normal operating
temperatures under a moderate load.
• Consider using an engine block heater.
• For extended idle times use an
approved idle speed increase device.
Winter Operating Tips for Arctic
Operation -20°F (-29°C) and Below
The following information is a guideline
only and is not to be the only source of
possible solutions in resolving extreme
cold temperature issues.
Starting Aids WARNING: Do not use starting
fluid, for example ether, in the air intake
system. Such fluid could cause
immediate explosive damage to the
engine and possible personal injury.
The use of the factory engine block heater
assists in engine starting in extreme cold
ambient temperatures
See Engine Block
Heater (page 176). Idle Control
Your vehicle may have a factory option for
a stationary elevated idle control through
the upfitter switches in the overhead
console. This allows the operator to
elevate the idle RPM for extended idle
periods, as well as aftermarket equipment
such as PTO operation. You must configure
this feature even if ordered from the
factory. See your authorized dealer for
required upfitting.
Operation in Snow and Rain
Vehicle operation in heavy snowfall or
extreme rain conditions may feed
excessive amounts of snow or water into
the air intake system. This could plug the
air filter with snow and may cause the
engine to lose power and possibly shut
down.
We recommend the following actions after
operating your vehicle up to
200 mi
(320 km) in snowfall or extreme rain:
• Snow: At the earliest opportunity, open
the hood and clear all the snow and ice
from the air filter housing inlet (do not
remove the foam filter) and reset the
air filter restriction gauge.
Note: Removal of the foam filter degrades
your vehicle performance during snow and
hot weather conditions.
• Extreme rain: The air filter dries after
about 15– 30 minutes at highway
speeds. At the earliest opportunity,
open the hood and reset the air filter
restriction gauge.
Refer to Air filter and restriction gauge in
the Maintenance chapter for more
information. See
Changing the Engine
Air Filter (page 347).
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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.
SWITCHING OFF THE ENGINE
- 6.7L DIESEL
Switch the ignition off.
To help prolong engine life, we
recommended you allow the engine to idle
for three to five minutes, especially after
any of the following:
•
Continuous engine speed.
• High ambient temperature.
• High GVW or GCW operation, for
example heavy loads or trailers.
This allows the turbo charged engine to
cool down.
ENGINE IDLE SHUTDOWN
Your vehicle may be equipped with an
engine idle shutdown system. This system
automatically shuts down your engine
when it has been idling in P (Park) or N
(Neutral) for five minutes (parking brake
set) or 15 minutes (parking brake not set).
When the engine idle shutdown process
has started: •
A chime sounds and the information
display will show ENGINE TURNS OFF
IN 30 (seconds) and start counting
down
• You can restart the five or 15-minute
timer by changing the position of the
accelerator pedal, brake pedal or the
park brake within the final 30 seconds
• When the timer reaches zero, the
engine shuts down and this message
will appear in your information display
ENGINE TURNED OFF
• One minute after the engine has shut
down, the electrical system simulates
key off, even though the ignition is still
in the on position, initiating normal
accessory delay period
• You must move the ignition to the off
position to reset the system before
restarting your vehicle.
The engine idle shutdown idle timer does
not start if:
• The engine is operating in power
take-off mode.
• The engine coolant temperature is
below 60°F (16°C).
• The exhaust emission control device is
regenerating.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
(IF
EQUIPPED) WARNING:
Failure to follow engine
block heater instructions could result in
property damage or serious personal
injury. WARNING: Do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical systems or
two-pronged adapters. There is a risk of
electrical shock.
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Note:
The heater is most effective when
outdoor temperatures are below 0°F
(-18°C).
For cold climates that are below
0°F
(-18°C) needing a temporary battery
installation. Order the cold climate pack.
The heater acts as a starting aid by
warming the engine coolant. This allows
the climate control system to respond
quickly. The equipment includes a heater
element (installed in the engine block) and
a wire harness. You can connect the
system to a grounded 120-volt AC
electrical source. We recommend that you do the following
for a safe and correct operation:
•
Make sure your vehicle is parked in a
clean area, clear of combustibles.
• Locate the block heater cord near the
center of the lower front fascia.
• Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord
that is product certified by
Underwriter ’s Laboratory (UL) or
Canadian Standards Association
(CSA). This extension cord must be
suitable for use outdoors, in cold
temperatures, and be clearly marked
Suitable for Use with Outdoor
Appliances. Do not use an indoor
extension cord outdoors. This could
result in an electric shock or become a
fire hazard. •
Use as short an extension cord as
possible.
• Do not use multiple extension cords.
• Make sure that when in operation, the
extension cord plug and heater cord
plug connections are free and clear of
water. This could cause an electric
shock or fire.
• Make sure the heater, heater cord and
extension cord are firmly connected.
• Check for heat anywhere in the
electrical hookup once the system has
been operating for approximately 30
minutes.
• Make sure the system is unplugged and
properly stowed before starting and
driving your vehicle. Make sure the
protective cover seals the prongs of the
block heater cord plug when not in use.
• Make sure the heater system is
checked for proper operation before
winter.
Using the Engine Block Heater
Make sure the receptacle terminals are
clean and dry prior to use. Clean them with
a dry cloth if necessary.
The heater uses 0.4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours
of energy per hour of use. The system does
not have a thermostat. It achieves
maximum temperature after
approximately three hours of operation.
Using the heater longer than three hours
does not improve system performance and
unnecessarily uses electricity.
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