heating FORD F250 2011 User Guide

2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (a translucent plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture, to
within the COLD FILL RANGE or the FULL COLD level on the reservoir.
If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill the radiator
until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration (refer
toChecking engine coolant). If the concentration is not 50/50, drain
some coolant and adjust the concentration. It may take several drains
and additions to obtain a 50/50 coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 quart (1.0 liter) of engine coolant per
month, have your authorized dealer check the engine cooling system.
Your cooling system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low
level of coolant can result in engine overheating and possible engine
damage.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate
manner. Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling
and disposing of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
toMaintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
Maintenance and Specifications
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How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•The message center will indicate the engine is overheating.
•The service engine soon
indicator will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage; therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Maintenance and Specifications
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Engine fluid temperature management (except 6.8L V10)
Your vehicle has been designed to pull a trailer, but because of the added
load, the vehicle’s engine may temporarily reach higher temperatures
during severe operating conditions such as ascending a long or steep
grade while pulling a trailer in hot ambient temperatures.
At this time, you may notice your engine coolant temperature gauge
needle move toward the H and the POWER REDUCED TO LOWER
TEMP message may appear on the message center.
You may notice a reduction in the vehicle’s speed caused by reduced
engine power. Your vehicle has been designed to enter this mode if
certain high temperature/high load conditions take place in order to
manage the engine’s fluid temperatures. The amount of speed reduction
will depend on the vehicle loading, towing, grade, ambient temperature,
and other factors. If this occurs, there is no need to pull off the road.
The vehicle can continue to be driven while this message is active.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of collision and injury, be
prepared that the vehicle speed may reduce and the vehicle may
not be able to accelerate with full power until the fluid temperatures
reduce.
The air conditioning may also cycle on and off during severe operating
conditions to protect overheating of the engine. When the engine coolant
temperature decreases to a more normal operating temperature, the air
conditioning will turn on once again.
If you notice any of the following:
•the engine coolant temperature gauge moves fully into the red (hot)
area
•the coolant temperature warning light illuminates
•the service engine soon indicator illuminates
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and place the vehicle in P
(Park).
2. Leave the engine running until the coolant temperature gauge needle
moves away from the H range. After several minutes, if this does not
happen, follow the remaining steps.
3. Turn the engine off and wait for it to cool before checking the coolant
level.
Maintenance and Specifications
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Type A
Type B
For vehicles equipped with 5-speed transmissions, the transmission fluid
should be in this range if at normal operating temperature (150°F-170°F
[66°C-77°C]). For vehicles equipped with 6-speed transmissions, the
transmission fluid should be in this range if at normal operating
temperature (180°F-200°F [82°C-93°C]).
High fluid level
Type A
Type B
Fluid levels above the safe range may result in transmission failure. An
overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
Maintenance and Specifications
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Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine Ford replacement parts.
Parts other than Ford, Motorcraftor Ford-authorized remanufactured
parts that are used for maintenance replacement or for the service of
components affecting emission control must be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability. It is the
owner’s responsibility to determine the equivalency of such parts. Please
consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete warranty information.
Chemicals or additives not approved by Ford are not required for factory
recommended maintenance. In fact, Ford Motor Company recommends
against the use of such additive products unless specifically
recommended by Ford for a particular application.
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, discolored fluids that also show signs of
overheating and/or foreign material contamination should be inspected
immediately by a qualified expert such as the factory-trained technicians
at your dealership. Your vehicle’s oils and fluids should be changed 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.
Genuine Ford parts and service
When planning your maintenance services, consider your dealership for
all your vehicle’s needs.
There are a lot of reasons why visiting your dealership for all your
service needs is a great way to help keep your vehicle running great.
Convenience
Many dealerships have extended evening and Saturday hours to make
your service visit more convenient. How’s that for quality service?
Factory-trained technicians
Service technicians participate in extensive factory-sponsored
certification training to help them become experts on the operation of
your vehicle. Ask your dealership about the training and certification
their technicians have received.
Scheduled Maintenance
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A
Accessory delay ........................103
AdvanceTrac ..............................271
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................178, 182, 184
and child safety seats ............179
description ..............178, 182, 184
disposal ....................................192
driver airbag ............180, 183, 185
indicator light .........................187
operation .................180, 183, 185
passenger airbag .....180, 183, 185
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................188
side airbag ...............................182
Air cleaner filter .......400–401, 406
Air conditioning ....................77, 80
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................77
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................375
Anti-lock brake system (see
Brakes) ......................................268
Anti-theft system ..............147, 149
arming the system ..........148, 150
disarming a triggered
system .....................................150
triggering .................................150
Audio system (see Radio) ...59, 61
Automatic transmission ............286
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................284
fluid, adding ............................396
fluid, checking ........................396
fluid, refill capacities ..............407
Selectshift (SST) ....................289
Auxiliary Input Jack ...................68Auxiliary power point ...............100
Axle
refill capacities ........................407
B
Battery .......................................373
acid, treating emergencies .....373
jumping a disabled battery ....343
maintenance-free ....................373
replacement, specifications ...406
servicing ..................................373
Bed extender ............................124
Belt-Minder.............................174
Booster seats .............................209
Brakes ........................................268
anti-lock ...................................268
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................269
fluid, checking and adding ....396
fluid, refill capacities ..............407
parking ....................................269
shift interlock ..........................282
trailer .......................................254
Bulbs ............................................91
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....407
Car2UHome Automation
System .......................................115
Cassette tape player ...................59
Cell phone use ............................11
Changing a tire .........................326
Child safety seats ......................197
attaching with tether straps ..204
in front seat ....................198, 204
in rear seat ......................198, 204
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LATCH .....................................204
recommendations ...................195
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................209
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............358
instrument panel ............361–362
interior .....................................363
plastic parts ............................360
safety belts ..............................363
washing ....................................357
waxing .....................................358
wheels ......................................358
wiper blades ............................360
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......77, 80
Clock ......................................60, 62
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................27
Console ........................................99
overhead ..............................98–99
Controls
power seat ...............................157
steering column ......................111
Coolant
checking and adding ..............375
refill capacities ................378, 407
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ......................................109
Customer Assistance ................314
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................365
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..................................418, 421
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................353
Getting roadside assistance ...314
Getting the service you
need .........................................349Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................355
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................353
D
Daytime running lamps (see
Lamps) .........................................88
Defrost
rear window and rearview
mirrors .......................................80
windshield .................................80
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................396
engine oil .................................371
Driving under special
conditions ..................292, 304, 308
sand .........................................306
snow and ice ...........................308
through water .................307, 310
E
Electronic message center ...22, 39
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................343
Emergency Flashers .................315
Emission control system ..........392
Engine ........................................411
cleaning ...................................358
coolant .....................................375
diesel ...........................................7
fail-safe cooling .......................379
idle speed control ...................373
refill capacities ........................407
service points ..................367–369
Engine block heater .................266
Index
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Engine oil ..................................371
checking and adding ..............371
dipstick ....................................371
filter, specifications ........372, 406
recommendations ...................372
refill capacities ........................407
Event data recording ....................9
Exhaust fumes ..........................265
F
Fail safe cooling ........................379
Fleet MyKey programming ......127
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....382
Floor mats .................................121
Fluid capacities .........................407
Fog lamps ....................................87
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......296
driving off road .......................303
electronic shift ................297, 301
indicator light .........................298
lever operated shift ................298
manual locking hubs ..............297
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................281
Fuel ............................................382
calculating fuel
economy ............................25, 389
cap ...........................................385
capacity ...................................407
choosing the right fuel ...........386
detergent in fuel .....................388
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................382, 385, 389
filter, specifications ........382, 406
fuel pump shut-off ..................316
improving fuel economy ........389
octane rating ...........386–387, 411
quality ......................................387running out of fuel .................388
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................382
Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .........................382, 386–387
Fuses ..................................316–317
G
Garage door opener ..................114
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............385
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................389
Gauges .........................................21
H
Hazard flashers .........................315
Headlamps ...................................86
aiming ..................................88–89
autolamp system .......................86
daytime running lights .............88
flash to pass ..............................87
high beam .................................87
replacing bulbs .........................93
turning on and off ....................86
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................77, 80
Hill descent mode .....................277
Hill start assist ..........................291
Hood ..........................................367
I
Ignition ...............................262, 411
Illuminated visor mirror .............98
Index
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