check engine FORD ECONOLINE 2008 Owner's Manual
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At the next opportunity, safely pull off of the road, remove the fuel filler
cap, align the cap properly and reinstall it. The check fuel cap
light
or “check fuel cap” message may not reset immediately; it may
take several driving cycles for the check fuel cap light
or “check fuel
cap” message to turn off. A driving cycle consists of an engine start-up
(after four or more hours with the engine off) followed by city and
highway driving.
Continuing to drive with the check fuel cap light
or “check fuel cap”
message on may cause the
light to turn on as well.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford, Motorcraft or other certified fuel filler cap
is not used.
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
personal injury.
FFV (Flex Fuel Vehicle) fuel cap
If your vehicle is FFV capable, it will have a yellow colored fuel cap.
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common abbreviation or the appropriate percentage for that
region. Use of other fuels such as Fuel Methanol may cause
powertrain damage, a loss of vehicle performance, and your
warranty may be invalidated.
Fuel quality
Do not add aftermarket fuel additive products to your fuel tank. It
should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. These products have not been approved for your engine and
could cause damage to the fuel system. Repairs to correct the effects of
using an aftermarket product in your fuel may not be covered by your
warranty.
Many of the world’s automakers approved the World-Wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-Wide Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the
World-Wide Fuel Charter.
Unleaded gasoline engines
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of “Regular” unleaded
gasoline. “Premium” unleaded gasoline is not recommended because it
may cause these problems to become more pronounced. If the problems
persist, see your authorized dealer.
FFV engine (if equipped)
To identify if your vehicle is an FFV, it may be equipped with a yellow
fuel cap with the text “E85/Gasoline”, or check if there is a label on the
fuel filler door.
It is best not to alternate repeatedly between gasoline and E85. If you do
switch fuels, it is recommended that you add as much fuel as
possible—at least half a tank. Do not add less than five gallons (18.9 L)
when refueling. You should drive the vehicle immediately after refueling
for at least 5 miles (8 km) to allow the vehicle to adapt to the change in
ethanol concentration.
If you operate your vehicle 50% or more of the time on ethanol, you
should follow a different maintenance schedule. In addition to this, it is
also recommended to fill the fuel tank with regular unleaded gasoline
once every 3,000 miles (4,800 km). Seescheduled maintenance
informationfor more information.
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Habits
•Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
•Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
•Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
•Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
•Slow down gradually.
•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between the top gears occurs. Unnecessary
shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
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These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel, properly tightening the fuel cap or letting the
electrical system dry out. After three driving cycles without these or any
other temporary malfunctions present, theService engine soon
indicator should stay off the next time the engine is started. A driving
cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed city/highway
driving. No additional vehicle service is required.
If theService engine soon
indicator remains on, have your vehicle
serviced at the first available opportunity. Although some malfunctions
detected by the OBD-II may not have symptoms that are apparent,
continued driving with theService engine soon
indicator on can
result in increased emissions, lower fuel economy, reduced engine and
transmission smoothness, and lead to more costly repairs.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
Some state/provincial and local governments may have
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection could prevent
you from getting a vehicle registration. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M
test if theService engine soon
indicator is on or not working
properly (bulb is burned out), or if the OBD-II system has determined
that some of the emission control systems have not been properly
checked. In this case, the vehicle is considered not ready for I/M testing.
If theService engine soon
indicator is on or the bulb does not
work, the vehicle may need to be serviced. Refer to the On board
diagnostics (OBD-II) description in this chapter.
If the vehicle’s engine or transmission has just been serviced, or the
battery has recently run down or been replaced, the OBD-II system may
indicate that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. To determine if the
vehicle is ready for I/M testing, turn the ignition key to the on position
for 15 seconds without cranking the engine. If theService engine
soon
indicator blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not
ready for I/M testing; if theService engine soon
indicator stays on
solid, it means that the vehicle is ready for I/M testing.
The OBD-II system is designed to check the emission control system
during normal driving. A complete check may take several days. If the
vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, the following driving cycle consisting
of mixed city and highway driving may be performed:
15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway/highway followed by
20 minutes of stop-and-go driving with at least four 30-second idle periods.
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Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete. If
the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above driving cycle will
have to be repeated.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval
schedules.
Check the fluid level when it is at ambient temperature, 20° – 80° F (-7°
– 25° C):
1.
Check the fluid level on the dipstick. It should be between the arrows in
the FULL COLD range. Do not add fluid if the level is within this range.
2. If the fluid level is low, start the engine.
3. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several times.
4. Turn the engine off.
WARNING:For E-350 and E-450 vehicles with the Hydro-Boost
Brake System, do not press the brake pedal after the engine has
been turned off. Pressing the brake pedal after the engine has been
turned off will give a false power steering fluid level reading.
FULL COLD
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DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
Your vehicle may be equipped with universal joints that require
lubrication. Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor
maintenance intervals. If the original universal joints are replaced with
universal joints equipped with grease fittings, lubrication will also be
necessary.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
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 km]). 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 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and 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. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
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.
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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 MERCONV should only use MERCONV fluid. 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 MERCONSP should only use MERCONSP fluid. Use of a dual usage fluid in
an automatic transmission requiring MERCONSP 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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•On the certification label. This
label is required by the National
Highway Traffic Safety
Administration and is made of
special material. If it is tampered
with, it will be destroyed or a
destruction pattern will appear.
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains the following
information:
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake system / Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) / Restraint
System
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
Certification label for incomplete vehicles
On completed derivations of incomplete vehicles, the certification label is
affixed at a location determined by a subsequent stage manufacturer of
the completed vehicle. In these cases the completed vehicle is
manufactured in two or more stages by two or more separate
manufacturers.
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A
Accessory delay ..........................53
AdvanceTrac ..............................170
Air cleaner filter ...............268–270
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................87
and child safety seats ..............89
description ................................87
disposal ......................................91
driver airbag ..............................89
indicator light ...........................91
operation ...................................89
passenger airbag .......................89
passenger deactivation
switch ........................................92
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................243
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................167–168
Anti-theft system ........................66
arming the system ....................67
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................20, 22, 26
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................178, 180, 183
fluid, adding ............................264
fluid, checking ........................264
fluid, refill capacities ..............271
fluid, specification ..................271
Auxiliary power point .................51
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........271
refill capacities ........................271
traction lok ..............................174
B
Battery .......................................240acid, treating emergencies .....240
battery saver .............................35
jumping a disabled battery ....210
maintenance-free ....................240
replacement, specifications ...270
servicing ..................................240
Belt-Minder...............................82
Booster seats ...............................98
Brakes ........................................167
anti-lock ...........................167–168
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................168
fluid, checking and adding ....263
fluid, refill capacities ..............271
fluid, specifications .................271
lubricant specifications ..........271
parking ....................................168
shift interlock ..........................176
Bulbs ............................................41
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....271
Cell phone use ..............................9
Changing a tire .........................200
Child safety restraints ................98
child safety belts ......................98
Child safety seats ......................101
in front seat ............................102
in rear seat ..............................102
tether anchorage hardware ...105
Child safety seats - booster
seats .............................................98
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............228
exterior ....................................231
instrument panel ....................230
interior .....................................230
plastic parts ............................229
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safety belts ..............................230
washing ....................................226
waxing .....................................227
wheels ......................................227
wiper blades ............................229
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......32–34
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .......................24, 28
AM/FM .......................................21
Compass, electronic ....................50
calibration .................................51
set zone adjustment .................50
Console
overhead ..............................48–49
Controls
power seat .................................71
Coolant
checking and adding ..............243
refill capacities ................247, 271
specifications ..........................271
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................54
Customer Assistance ................189
Ford Extended Service Plan...222
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............223
Getting roadside assistance ...189
Getting the service you
need .........................................218
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................224
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................222
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................36Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................264
engine oil .................................237
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................264
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................188
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................210
Emergency Flashers .................190
Emission control system ..........259
Engine ........................................274
cleaning ...................................228
coolant .....................................243
diesel ...........................................7
fail-safe cooling .......................248
idle speed control ...................240
lubrication specifications .......271
refill capacities ........................271
service points ..........................235
starting after a collision .........191
Engine block heater .................165
Engine oil ..................................237
checking and adding ..............237
dipstick ....................................237
filter, specifications ........239, 270
recommendations ...................239
refill capacities ........................271
specifications ..........................271
Event data recording ....................6
Exhaust fumes ..........................165
F
Fail safe cooling ........................248
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