maintenance FORD E SERIES 2013 4.G Owner's Manual

Adding Engine Oil
Note:Do not remove the engine oil level dipstick or the filler cap when
the engine is running.
Note:Do not add engine oil further than the MAX mark. Oil levels above
the MAX mark may cause engine damage.
Only use oils certified for gasoline engines by the
American Petroleum Institute (API). An oil with this
trademark symbol conforms to the current engine and
emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricants
Specification Advisory Council (ILSAC), comprised of
U.S. and Japanese automobile manufacturers.
1. Check the engine oil level.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add engine oil
that meets Ford specifications. SeeCapacities and Specificationsfor
more information. Remove the engine oil filler cap and use a funnel to
pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
normal operating range on the engine oil level dipstick.
4. Install the dipstick and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
until three clicks are heard or until the cap is fully seated.
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
Checking the Engine Coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
intervals listed inScheduled Maintenance Information.
Note:Make sure that the level is at the FULL COLD level or within the
COLD FILL RANGE in the coolant reservoir.
Note:Coolant expands when it is hot. The level may extend beyond the
COLD FILL RANGE.
If the level is below the COLD FILL RANGE, add coolant immediately.
SeeAdding Engine Coolantin this chapter.
The coolant concentration should be maintained within 48% to 50%,
which equates to a freeze point between -30°F (-34°C) and -34°F
(-37°C).
Maintenance205
2013 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Note:For best results, coolant concentration should be tested with a
refractometer such as Rotunda tool 300ROB75240 available from your
dealer. Ford does not recommend the use of hydrometers or coolant test
strips for measuring coolant concentrations.
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
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.
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.
WARNING:Do not add coolant further than the MAX mark.
Note:Do not use stop leak pellets or cooling system sealants/additives
as they can cause damage to the engine cooling and/or heating systems.
This damage would not be covered under your vehicle’s warranty.
•DO NOT MIX different colors or types of coolant in your vehicle. Make
sure the correct coolant is used. Mixing of engine coolants may harm
your engine’s cooling system. The use of an improper coolant may
harm engine and cooling system components and may void the
warranty.
206Maintenance
2013 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

•In case of emergency, a large amount of water without engine coolant
may be added in order to reach a vehicle service location. In this
instance, the cooling system must be drained, chemically cleaned with
MotorcraftPremium Cooling System Flush, 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.
Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure will escape as you unscrew the cap.
Add a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and engine coolant meeting the Ford
specification. SeeCapacities and Specificationsfor more information.
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 mixture of engine coolant and distilled
water to bring the coolant level to the proper level.
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.
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner.
Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling and
disposing of automotive fluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration above 50%.
•NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
•A coolant concentration of 60% will provide improved freeze point
protection. Engine coolant concentrations above 60% will decrease the
overheat protection characteristics of the engine coolant and may
cause engine damage.
•
If available, refer to the chart on the coolant container to make sure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate freeze
protection at the temperatures in which you drive in the winter months.
Maintenance207
2013 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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%.
•A coolant concentration of 40% will provide improved overheat
protection. Engine coolant concentrations below 40% will decrease the
corrosion/freeze protection characteristics of the engine coolant and
may cause engine damage.
•If available, refer to the chart on the coolant container to make sure
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 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 and:
The coolant temperature warning light will illuminate.
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 restarted. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
208Maintenance
2013 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

When Fail-Safe Mode is Activated
WARNING:Fail-safe mode is for use during emergencies only.
Operate the vehicle in fail-safe mode only as long as necessary to
bring the vehicle to rest in a safe location and seek immediate repairs.
When in fail-safe mode, the vehicle will have limited power, will not be
able to maintain high-speed operation, and may completely shut down
without warning, potentially losing engine power, power steering assist,
and power brake assist, which may increase the possibility of a crash
resulting in serious injury.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
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.
5. Restart the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Note: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.
Maintenance209
2013 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

TRANSMISSION FLUID CHECK
Checking Automatic Transmission Fluid (If Equipped)
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 20 miles [30 kilometers]). If your vehicle has
been operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off
for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 kilometers) or until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the engine running, parking brake engaged and your foot on the
brake pedal, move the gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges.
Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
210Maintenance
2013 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Low Fluid Level
Do not drive the vehicle if there is no indication of fluid on the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is above 50°F (10°C).
Maintenance211
2013 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Correct Fluid Level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 150°F-170°F (66°C-77°C) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles
(30 km) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is above
50°F (10°C). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill condition
could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating temperature.
The transmission fluid should be in this range if at normal operating
temperature (150°F-170°F [66°C-77°C]).
212Maintenance
2013 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

The transmission fluid should be in this range if at ambient temperature
(50°F-95°F [10°C-35°C]).
Maintenance213
2013 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

High Fluid Level
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.
Adjusting Automatic Transmission Fluid Levels
Note:Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
Note:An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
Note:Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments
or cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
H
C
214Maintenance
2013 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)