engine coolant FORD E SERIES 2008 4.G User Guide

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.
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 “CHECK GAGE” indicator
light will illuminate.
•The “CHECK GAGE” indicator light will flash when fail-safe cooling
mode has been activated.
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.
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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.
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
For fuel filter replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate intervals for
changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
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.
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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
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)37.0 gallons
(140.0L)
Fuel tank–158 inch wheelbase
(except E-Super Duty)37.0 gallons
(140.0L)
8
Fuel tank–176 inch wheelbase
(except E-Super Duty)37.0 gallons
(140.0L)
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 MERCON
V should only use MERCON
V fluid or fluid that is specified dual
usage MERCON
/MERCON
V. Refer toscheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval.
Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.Automatic transmissions that require MERCON
SP should only use MERCON
SP fluid. Use of a dual usage fluid in
an automatic transmission requiring MERCON
SP may cause transmission damage. Refer toscheduled
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 ..........................52
AdvanceTrac ..............................168
Air cleaner filter ...............261–263
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................86
and child safety seats ..............88
description ................................86
disposal ......................................90
driver airbag ..............................88
indicator light ...........................90
operation ...................................88
passenger airbag .......................88
passenger deactivation
switch ........................................91
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................238
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................166
Anti-theft system ........................66
arming the system ....................67
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................19, 21, 25
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................175, 177, 180
fluid, adding ............................258
fluid, checking ........................258
fluid, refill capacities ..............264
fluid, specification ..................264
Auxiliary power point .................50
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........264
refill capacities ........................264
traction lok ..............................172
B
Battery .......................................236acid, treating emergencies .....236
battery saver .............................34
jumping a disabled battery ....207
maintenance-free ....................236
replacement, specifications ...263
servicing ..................................236
Belt-Minder
...............................81
Booster seats ...............................97
Brakes ........................................165
anti-lock ...................................166
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................166
fluid, checking and adding ....257
fluid, refill capacities ..............264
fluid, specifications .................264
lubricant specifications ..........264
parking ....................................167
shift interlock ..........................174
Bulbs ............................................40
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....264
Cell phone use ..............................9
Changing a tire .........................198
Child safety restraints ................96
child safety belts ......................96
Child safety seats ......................100
in front seat ............................101
in rear seat ..............................101
tether anchorage hardware ...104
Child safety seats - booster
seats .............................................97
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............224
exterior ....................................227
instrument panel ....................226
interior .....................................226
plastic parts ............................225
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safety belts ..............................226
washing ....................................222
waxing .....................................223
wheels ......................................223
wiper blades ............................225
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......31–33
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .......................23, 27
AM/FM .......................................20
Compass, electronic ....................49
calibration .................................50
set zone adjustment .................49
Console
overhead ..............................47–48
Controls
power seat .................................70
Coolant
checking and adding ..............238
refill capacities ................242, 264
specifications ..........................264
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................54
Customer Assistance ................186
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................218
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................219
Getting roadside assistance ...186
Getting the service you
need .........................................214
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................220
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................218D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................35
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................258
engine oil .................................233
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................257
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................185
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................207
Emergency Flashers .................188
Emission control system ..........253
Engine ........................................268
cleaning ...................................224
coolant .....................................238
diesel ...........................................7
fail-safe cooling .......................243
idle speed control ...................236
lubrication specifications .......264
refill capacities ........................264
service points ..........................231
starting after a collision .........188
Engine block heater .................164
Engine oil ..................................233
checking and adding ..............233
dipstick ....................................233
filter, specifications ........235, 263
recommendations ...................235
refill capacities ........................264
specifications ..........................264
Event data recording ....................6
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