engine coolant FORD E-250 2009 User Guide

When the engine is cold, check the
level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
•The engine coolant should be at the “FULL COLD” level or within the
“COLD FILL RANGE” as listed on the engine coolant reservoir
(depending upon application).
•Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor service interval
schedules.
•Be sure to read and understandPrecautions when servicing your
vehiclein this chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer toAdding
engine coolantin this chapter.
Note:Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
Adding engine coolant
When adding coolant, make sure it is a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and distilled water.When the engine is cool,add the mixture to the
coolant reservoir until the appropriate fill level is obtained.
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WARNING:Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot.
Steam and scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system
can burn you badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts.
WARNING:Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer
fluid container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant
could make it difficult to see through the windshield.
•Add Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant or equivalent
meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1.Refer to
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
Note:Use of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets or an
equivalent product meeting Ford specification WSS-M99B37-B6, may
darken the color of Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from
yellow to golden tan.
•Do not add/mix an orange-colored, extended life coolant such
as Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine Coolant, meeting Ford
specification WSS-M97B44-D, or DEX-COOLbrand with the
factory-filled coolant.Mixing Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine
Coolant or any orange-colored extended life product such as
DEX-COOLbrand with your factory filled coolant can result in
degraded corrosion protection.
•A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case
of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
•Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant).Alcohol
and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant.These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
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water to the “FULL COLD” level. For all other vehicles which have a
coolant degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to
remove the coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with
an overflow system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the
engine is cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap.
The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come
out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
Add the proper mixture of coolant and water to the cooling system by
following these steps:
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
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
(protection to –34°F/–36°C), 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.
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Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant in vehicles originally equipped with Motorcraft Premium Gold
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.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined inAdding engine coolant
in this section.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than –34°F [–36°C]):
•It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
•NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
•Increased engine coolant concentrations above 60% will
decrease the overheat protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
freeze protection at the temperatures in which you drive in the
winter months.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration
above 40%.
•NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
•Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the corrosion protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
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•Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
What you should know about fail-safe cooling (if equipped)
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The “fail-safe” distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•The service engine soon
indicator light will illuminate.
•The engine coolant
temperature
indicator light 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
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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.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuel filter that is integrated with
the fuel tank. Regular maintenance or replacement is not needed.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
WARNING:Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an
overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
WARNING:The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel
filler cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait
until it stops before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise,
fuel may spray out and injure you or others.
WARNING:If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap,
excessive vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system
or cause the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in
serious personal injury.
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MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
Item Capacity Ford part nameFord part number /
Ford specification
Brake fluidBetween MIN
and MAX on
reservoirMotorcraft High
Performance DOT 3
Motor Vehicle Brake
FluidPM-1-C /
WSS-M6C62-A or
WSS-M6C65-A1
Door weatherstrips —Silicone Spray
LubricantXL-6 /
ESR-M13P4-A
Hinges, latches, Striker plates,
fuel filler door hinge, and seat
tracks—Motorcraft
Multi-Purpose GreaseXG-4 or XL-5 /
ESB-M1C93-B
Lock cylinders —Motorcraft
Penetrating and Lock
LubricantXL-1 /
None
Engine coolant 4.6L engine23.8 quarts
(22.6L)
Motorcraft Premium
Gold Engine Coolant
with bittering agent
(yellow-colored)
1
VC-7-B /
WSS-M97B51-A1 Engine coolant 4.6L engine with
aux rear heat26.0 quarts
(24.6L)
Engine coolant 5.4L engine28.8 quarts
(27.2L)
Engine coolant 5.4L engine with
aux rear heat30.8 quarts
(29.1L)
Engine coolant 6.8L engine30.4 quarts
(28.8L)
Engine coolant 6.8L engine with
aux rear heat32.6 quarts
(30.8L)
Engine coolant-diesel engine
1
Refer to the6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke Direct Injection
Turbo Diesel Owner’s Guide Supplement.
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Item Capacity Ford part nameFord part number /
Ford specification
Fuel tank–all regular and
extended length vans and wagons35.0 gallons
(132.4L)
—— Fuel tank–138 inch wheelbase
(except E-Super Duty)40.0 gallons
(151.0L)
Fuel tank–158 inch wheelbase
(except E-Super Duty)40.0 gallons
(151.0L)
8
Fuel tank–176 inch wheelbase
(except E-Super Duty)40.0 gallons
(151.0L)
8
Fuel tank–158 inch and 176 inch
wheelbase (E-Super Duty)55.0 gallons
(208.0L)1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.2Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.3Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary based on cooler size, if
equipped with an in-tank cooler, if equipped with an oil to air cooler and if equipped with a remote
filter assembly. The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set by the indication on
the dipstick’s normal operating range.4Automatic transmissions that require MERCONLV should only use MERCONLV fluid. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid
other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.5Dana limited-slip axle (M60) requires 8 oz. (228 ml) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or
equivalent meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118-A.6If your vehicle’s rear axle is filled with a synthetic rear axle lubricant it is considered lubricated
for life. These lubricants do not need to be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service
is required or the axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle lubricant should be
changed any time the rear axle has been submerged in water.7Fill Dana rear axles to 1/4 inch to 9/16 inch (6 mm to 14 mm) below bottom of fill hole.8Optional fuel tank 55.0 gallons (208.0L).
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A
Accessory delay ..........................65
AdvanceTrac ..............................201
Air cleaner filter ...............302–304
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................................110
and child safety seats ............112
description ..............................110
disposal ....................................114
driver airbag ............................112
indicator light .........................114
operation .................................112
passenger airbag .....................112
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................115
Ambulance packages ....................9
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................277
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................198–199
Anti-theft system ........................88
arming the system ....................89
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................22, 24, 29
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................210, 212, 215
fluid, adding ............................298
fluid, checking ........................298
fluid, refill capacities ..............305
fluid, specification ..................305
Auxiliary Input Jack ...................36
Auxiliary power point .................63
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........305
refill capacities ........................305
traction lok ..............................206B
Battery .......................................274
acid, treating emergencies .....274
jumping a disabled battery ....245
maintenance-free ....................274
replacement, specifications ...304
servicing ..................................274
Belt-Minder.............................106
Booster seats .............................136
Brakes ........................................198
anti-lock ...........................198–199
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................199
fluid, checking and adding ....297
fluid, refill capacities ..............305
fluid, specifications .................305
lubricant specifications ..........305
parking ....................................199
shift interlock ..........................209
trailer .......................................187
Bulbs ............................................52
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....305
Cell phone use ............................10
Changing a tire .........................235
Child safety seats ......................124
in front seat ............................125
in rear seat ..............................125
LATCH .....................................128
recommendations ...................122
tether anchorage hardware ...131
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................136
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............263
exterior ....................................266
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instrument panel ....................265
interior .....................................265
plastic parts ............................264
safety belts ..............................265
washing ....................................261
waxing .....................................262
wheels ......................................262
wiper blades ............................264
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......44–46
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................30
AM/FM Stereo ...........................23
AM/FM/CD .................................25
Compass, electronic ....................62
calibration .................................63
set zone adjustment .................62
Console
overhead ..............................60–61
Controls
power seat .................................94
Coolant
checking and adding ..............277
refill capacities ................281, 305
specifications ..........................305
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................68
Customer Assistance ................224
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................258
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................258
Getting roadside assistance ...224
Getting the service you
need .........................................253
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................259
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................257D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................47
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................298
engine oil .................................271
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................298
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................223
E
Electronic message center .........71
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................245
Emergency Flashers .................226
Emission control system ..........293
Engine ........................................309
cleaning ...................................263
coolant .....................................277
diesel ...........................................8
fail-safe cooling .......................282
idle speed control ...................274
lubrication specifications .......305
refill capacities ........................305
service points ..........................269
starting after a collision .........226
Engine block heater .................196
Engine oil ..................................271
checking and adding ..............271
dipstick ....................................271
filter, specifications ........273, 304
recommendations ...................273
refill capacities ........................305
specifications ..........................305
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