coolant level FORD F-450 2018 Owners Manual

Type 3
Engine oil pressure gauge.
A
Engine coolant temperature
gauge.
B
Fuel gauge.
C
Configurable. Transmission fluid
temperature, Turbo boost or DEF
gauge (diesel engines only).
D
Speedometer.
E
Information display. See
General Information (page
113).
F
Tachometer.
G Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
Indicates engine oil pressure. The needle
should stay in the normal operating range
(between L and H). If the needle falls
below the normal range, stop your vehicle,
turn off the engine and check the engine
oil level. Add oil if needed. If the oil level is
correct, have your vehicle checked by an
authorized dealer.
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Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge
WARNING
Do not remove the coolant reservoir
cap when the cooling system is hot.
Wait 10 minutes for the cooling
system to cool down. Cover the coolant
reservoir cap with a thick cloth to prevent
the possibility of scalding and slowly
remove the cap. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in personal injury. Indicates engine coolant temperature. At
normal operating temperature, the level
indicator will be in the normal range. If the
engine coolant temperature exceeds the
normal range, stop your vehicle as soon as
safely possible, switch off the engine and
let the engine cool.
Fuel Gauge
Note:
The fuel gauge may vary slightly
when your vehicle is moving or on a gradient.
Switch the ignition on. The fuel gauge will
indicate approximately how much fuel is
left in the fuel tank. The arrow adjacent to
the fuel pump symbol indicates on which
side of your vehicle the fuel filler door is
located. The needle should move toward F when
you refuel your vehicle. If the needle points
to E after adding fuel, this indicates your
vehicle needs service soon.
After refueling some variability in needle
position is normal:
•
It may take a short time for the needle
to reach F after leaving the gas station.
This is normal and depends upon the
slope of pavement at the gas station.
• The fuel amount dispensed into the
tank is a little less or more than the
gauge indicated. This is normal and
depends upon the slope of pavement
at the gas station.
• If the gas station nozzle shuts off
before the tank is full, try a different
gas pump nozzle.
Low Fuel Reminder
A low fuel reminder triggers when the
distance to empty value reaches 50 mi
(80 km) to empty, with additional
warnings at 25 mi (40 km), 10 mi (20 km)
and 0 mi (0 km) to empty, provided the
message is cleared each time. An
additional warning at
75 mi (120 km) to
empty is provided when the MyKey is being
used.
Variations:
Note: The distance-to-empty warning can appear at different fuel gauge positions depending
on fuel economy conditions. This variation is normal. Fuel gauge position
Distance-to-empty
Driving type (fuel economy
conditions)
1/8th tank
50 mi (80 km)
Highway driving
1/4 tank
50 mi (80 km)
Severe duty driving (trailer
towing, extended idle)
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Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing Instrument Cluster

Cruise Control (If Equipped)
Illuminates when you switch this
feature on. See
Using Cruise
Control (page 243).
Direction Indicator Illuminates when the left or right
turn signal or the hazard warning
flasher is turned on. If the
indicators stay on or flash faster, check for
a burned out bulb.
Door Ajar Displays when the ignition is on
and any door is not completely
closed.
Electronic Locking Differential
(If
Equipped) Illuminates when using the
electronic locking differential.
Engine Coolant Temperature Illuminates when the engine
coolant temperature is high.
Stop the vehicle as soon as
possible, switch off the engine and let cool.
Engine Oil If it illuminates with the engine
running or when you are driving,
this indicates a malfunction.
Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to
do so and switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level.
See
Engine Oil Check (page 333).
Note: Do not resume your journey if it
illuminates despite the level being correct.
Have the system checked by your authorized
dealer immediately. Fasten Seatbelt It illuminates and a chime
sounds to remind you to fasten
your seatbelt.
Front Airbag If it fails to illuminate when you
start your vehicle, continues to
flash or remains on, it indicates
a malfunction. Have the system checked
by your authorized dealer.
Front Fog Lamps
(If Equipped) It illuminates when you switch
the front fog lamps on.
High Beam Illuminates when you switch the
high beam headlamps on. It will
flash when you use the
headlamp flasher.
Hill Descent
(If Equipped) Illuminates when hill descent is
switched on.
Low Fuel Level Illuminates when the fuel level
is low or the fuel tank is nearly
empty. Refuel as soon as
possible.
Low Tire Pressure Warning It illuminates if the tire pressure
in one or more tires is below the
correct tire pressure.
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Your vehicle has a fuel and water separator
that recirculates fuel from the engine to
help prevent fuel filter clogging. To avoid
engine fuel starvation during cold weather
operation of 32°F (0°C) or below, we
recommend that the fuel level in your tank
should not drop below ¼ full. This helps
prevent air from entering the fuel system
and stalling the engine.
Your vehicle has a selective catalytic
reduction system that uses Diesel Exhaust
Fluid (DEF) to operate properly. You need
to replenish your vehicle ’s DEF at certain
intervals. When filling your vehicle ’s DEF
tank in cold weather, take special care to
prevent damage to the tank. See
Selective Catalytic Reductant System
(page
198).
In cold weather below
32°F (0°C), the
engine may slowly increase to a higher idle
speed if you leave it idling in park (P). As
the engine warms-up, the engine sound
level decreases due to the activation of
PCM-controlled sound reduction features.
If you operate your vehicle in a heavy
snowstorm or blowing snow conditions,
snow and ice can clog the engine air
induction. If this occurs, the engine may
experience a significant reduction in power
output. At the earliest opportunity, clear
all the snow and ice away from inside the
air filter assembly. Remove the air cleaner
cover and the air filter and remove any
snow or ice. Remove any debris, snow or
ice, on the foam filter by brushing the
surface with a soft brush. Once you have
cleared all of the debris, reinstall the air
filter and cover.
Do not use water, solvents, or a hard brush
for cleaning the foam filter. WARNING
To reduce the risk of vehicle damage
and personal burn injuries, do not
start your engine with the air cleaner
removed and do not remove it while the
engine is running. In order to operate the engine in
temperatures of 32°F (0°C) or lower, read
the following instructions:
•
Make sure that the batteries are of
sufficient size and are fully charged.
Check other electrical components to
make sure they are in optimum
condition.
• Use the proper coolant solution at the
concentration recommended
protecting the engine against damage
from freezing.
• Try to keep the fuel tank full as much
as possible at the end of operation to
prevent condensation in the fuel
system.
• Make sure you use proper cold weather
engine oil and that it is at its proper
level. Also, if necessary, make sure to
follow the engine oil and filter change
schedule found under the Special
operating conditions section listed in
the scheduled maintenance
information.
• At temperatures of
-9°F (-23°C) or
below, it is recommended that you use
an engine block heater to improve cold
engine starting.
• If operating in arctic temperatures of
-20°F (-29°C)
or lower, consult your
truck dealer for information about
special cold weather equipment and
precautions.
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Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing Starting and Stopping the Engine

Action and description
Message
Press and hold the OK
button until the instrument
cluster displays the
following message.
Hold OK to
Reset
Reset Successful
When the oil change indic-
ator resets the instrument
cluster displays 100%.
Remaining Life
{00}%
If the instrument cluster
displays one of the following
messages, repeat the
process.
Not Reset
Reset Cancelled
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK -
6.2L/6.8L WARNINGS
Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap when the engine is running or
hot.
Do not put coolant in the windshield
washer reservoir. If sprayed on the
windshield, coolant could make it
difficult to see through the windshield. 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 you loosen the cap
slightly. Do not add coolant further than the
MAX
mark. When the engine is cold, check the
concentration and level of the coolant at
the intervals listed in the scheduled
maintenance information. See Scheduled
Maintenance
(page 581).
Note: Make sure that the coolant level is
between the
MIN and the MAX marks on
the coolant reservoir.
Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. The
level may extend beyond the
MAX mark.
Maintain coolant concentration within
48% to 50%, which equates to a freeze
point between -30°F (-34°C) and -34°F
(-37°C). Coolant concentration should be
checked using a refractometer. We
recommend, Robinair® Coolant and
Battery Refractometer 75240 (Rotunda
tool part number: ROB75240). We do not
recommend the use of hydrometers or
coolant test strips for measuring coolant
concentration.
Note: Automotive fluids are not
interchangeable. Do not use coolant or
windshield washer fluid outside of its
specified function and vehicle location.
Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, cooling
system sealants, or non-specified additives
as they can cause damage to the engine
cooling or heating systems. Resulting
component damage may not be covered by
the vehicle Warranty.
Adding Coolant WARNING
Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap when the engine is running or
hot.
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It is very important to use prediluted
coolant meeting the correct specification
in order to avoid plugging the small
passageways in the engine cooling system.
See Capacities and Specifications
(page 427). Incorrect prediluted coolant
use can cause damage not covered by the
vehicle Warranty.
If the coolant level is at or below the
minimum mark, add prediluted coolant
immediately.
To top up the coolant level do the
following:
1. Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure escapes as you unscrew the cap.
2. Add prediluted coolant meeting the correct specification. See
Capacities
and Specifications (page 420).
3. Add enough prediluted coolant to reach the correct level.
4. Replace the coolant reservoir cap, turn
it clockwise until you feel a strong
resistance.
5. Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir the next few times you drive
your vehicle.
Note: During normal vehicle operation, the
coolant may change color from orange to
pink or light red. As long as the coolant is
clear and uncontaminated, this color change
does not indicate the coolant has degraded
nor does it require the coolant to be drained,
the system to be flushed, or the coolant to
be replaced.
Do not mix different colors or types of
prediluted coolant in your vehicle. Mixing
of prediluted coolant or using an incorrect
prediluted coolant may harm the engine
or cooling system components and may
not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
In case of emergency, you can add a large
amount of water without prediluted
coolant in order to reach a vehicle service
location. On arrival do the following: 1. Drain the cooling system.
2. Chemically clean the cooling system.
We recommend Motorcraft Premium
Cooling System Flush.
3. Refill with prediluted coolant as soon as possible.
Water alone, without prediluted coolant,
can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
Do not use the following as a coolant
substitute:
• Alcohol.
• Methanol.
• Brine.
• Any coolant mixed with alcohol or
methanol antifreeze.
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 coolant.
Recycled Coolant
We do not recommend the use of recycled
coolant as an approved recycling process
is not yet available.
Dispose of used engine coolant in an
appropriate manner. Follow your
community ’s regulations and standards
for recycling and disposing of automotive
fluids.
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Remember that the engine is capable of
automatically shutting down to prevent
engine damage. In this situation:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely
possible and switch the engine off.
2. If you are a member of a roadside assistance program, we recommend
that you contact your roadside
assistance service provider.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level. If the coolant level is at or below the minimum mark,
add prediluted coolant immediately.
5. When the engine temperature cools, you can re-start the engine. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible to
minimize engine damage.
Note: Driving your vehicle without repair
increases the chance of engine damage.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Management (If Equipped) WARNING
To reduce the risk of crash and injury,
be prepared that the vehicle speed
may reduce and the vehicle may not
be able to accelerate with full power until
the coolant temperature reduces. If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, the
engine may temporarily reach higher a
temperature during severe operating
conditions, for example ascending a long
or steep grade in high ambient
temperatures.
At this time, you may notice the coolant
temperature gauge moves toward the red
zone and a message may appear in the
information display. You may notice a reduction in vehicle
speed caused by reduced engine power in
order to manage the engine coolant
temperature. Your vehicle may enter this
mode if certain high-temperature and
high-load conditions take place. The
amount of speed reduction depends on
vehicle loading, grade and ambient
temperature. If this occurs, there is no
need to pull off the road. You can continue
to drive your vehicle.
The air conditioning may automatically
turn on and off during severe operating
conditions to protect the engine from
overheating. When the coolant
temperature decreases to the normal
operating temperature, the air conditioning
turns on.
If the coolant temperature gauge moves
fully into the red zone, or if the coolant
temperature warning or service engine
soon messages appear in your information
display, do the following:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely
possible and shift the transmission into
park
(P).
2. Leave the engine running until the coolant temperature gauge needle
returns to the normal position. After
several minutes, if the temperature
does not drop, follow the remaining
steps.
3. Switch the engine off and wait for it to
cool. Check the coolant level.
4. If the coolant level is at or below the minimum mark, add prediluted coolant
immediately.
5. If the coolant level is normal, restart the engine and continue.
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ENGINE COOLANT CHECK -
6.7L DIESEL
WARNINGS
Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap when the engine is running or
hot.
Do not put coolant in the windshield
washer reservoir. If sprayed on the
windshield, coolant could make it
difficult to see through the windshield. 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 you loosen the cap
slightly. Do not add coolant further than the
MAX mark.
When the engine is cold, check the
concentration and level of the coolant at
the intervals listed in the scheduled
maintenance information. See Scheduled
Maintenance
(page 581).
Note: Make sure that the coolant level is
between the
MIN and MAX marks on the
coolant reservoir.
Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. The
level may extend beyond the
MAX mark.
Maintain coolant concentration within
48% to 50%, which equates to a freeze
point between -30°F (-34°C) and -34°F
(-37°C). Coolant concentration should be
checked using a refractometer. We do not
recommend the use of hydrometers or
coolant test strips for measuring coolant
concentration. Adding Coolant WARNINGS
Do not add engine coolant when the
engine is hot. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in personal
injury. Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap when the engine is running or
hot.
Note:
Automotive fluids are not
interchangeable. Do not use coolant or
windshield washer fluid outside of its
specified function and vehicle location.
Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, cooling
system sealants, or non-specified additives
as they can cause damage to the engine
cooling or heating systems. Resulting
component damage may not be covered by
the vehicle Warranty.
It is very important to use prediluted
coolant approved to the correct
specification in order to avoid plugging the
small passageways in the engine cooling
system. See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 432). Do not mix
different colors or types of coolant in your
vehicle. Mixing of engine coolants or using
an incorrect coolant may harm the engine
or cooling system components and may
not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Note: Coolants marketed for all makes and
models may not be approved to Ford
specifications and may cause damage to
the cooling system. Resulting component
damage may not be covered by the vehicle
Warranty.
If the coolant level is at or below the
minimum mark, add prediluted coolant
immediately.
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Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing Maintenance

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 prediluted coolant to the
maximum level. For all 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,
follow these steps to add engine coolant:
1. Turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure
escapes as you unscrew the cap.
3. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with prediluted engine coolant to within the
minimum and maximum range on the
engine coolant reservoir. If you
removed the radiator cap in an
overflow system, fill the radiator until
the coolant is visible and the radiator
is almost full. If coolant is added to
bring the level within the minimum and
maximum range when the engine is not
cold, the system may remain under
filled.
4. Replace the coolant reservoir cap, turn
it clockwise until you feel a strong
resistance.
5. Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir the next few times you drive
your vehicle. If necessary, add enough
prediluted engine coolant to bring the
coolant level to the proper level.
Note: If prediluted coolant is not available,
use the approved antifreeze concentrate
diluting it to 50/50 with distilled water. See
Capacities and Specifications (page 432).
Using water that has not been deionized
may contribute to deposit formation,
corrosion or plugging of the small cooling
system passageways. If you have to add more than 1.1 qt (1 L) of
engine coolant per month, have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Operating an engine with a low level of
coolant can result in engine overheating
and possible engine damage.
Note: During normal vehicle operation, the
coolant may change color from orange to
pink or light red. As long as the coolant is
clear and uncontaminated, this color change
does not indicate the coolant has degraded
nor does it require the coolant to be drained,
the system to be flushed, or the coolant to
be replaced.
Note: In case of emergency, you can add a
large amount of water without coolant in
order to reach a vehicle service location.
Water alone, without coolant, can cause
engine damage from corrosion, overheating
or freezing. When you reach a service
location, you must have the cooling system
drained, flushed and refilled using the
correct specification prediluted coolant or
antifreeze concentrate. See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 432).
Do not use the following as a coolant
substitute:
• Alcohol.
• Methanol.
• Brine.
• Any coolant mixed with alcohol or
methanol antifreeze.
Alcohol and other liquids can cause engine
damage from overheating or freezing.
Do not add extra inhibitors or non-specified
additives to the coolant. These can be
harmful and compromise the corrosion
protection of the coolant.
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Engine and Secondary Cooling
System Refill Procedure
The following procedure should be used
when refilling the engine or secondary
cooling systems after it has been drained
or become extremely low:
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the
engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap. Slowly turn cap
counterclockwise 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. Slowly add prediluted engine coolant to the coolant reservoir until the
coolant level is within the minimum
and maximum range as listed on the
reservoir.
6. Reinstall the pressure relief cap.
7. Start and run the engine at 2000 rpm for 2 minutes.
8. Shut engine off, and remove the pressure relief cap as previously
outlined.
9. If required, add prediluted engine coolant to the coolant reservoir until
the coolant level is within the minimum
and maximum range as listed on the
reservoir.
10. Engine cooling system: Repeat
Step 5 until the coolant level has
stabilized (is no longer dropping after
each step) and the upper radiator
hose at the radiator is warm to the
touch (indicating that the engine
thermostat is open and coolant is
flowing through the radiator). 11.
Check the secondary cooling system.
Repeat Step 5 until the coolant level
has stabilized (is no longer dropping
after each step) and the lower
passenger side of the secondary
radiator is warm to the touch
(indicating secondary thermostat is
open and coolant is flowing through
the entire system).
12. Reinstall the pressure relief cap. Shut
the engine off and let it cool.
13. Check the coolant level in the reservoir before you drive your vehicle
the next few times.
14. If necessary, add prediluted engine coolant to the coolant reservoir until
the coolant level is within the
minimum and maximum range as
listed on the reservoir. After any
coolant has been added, check the
coolant concentration.
Recycled Coolant
We do not recommend the use of recycled
coolant as an approved recycling process
is not yet available.
Dispose of used engine coolant in an
appropriate 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%.
• A coolant concentration of 60%
provides improved freeze point
protection. Coolant concentrations
above 60% decrease the overheat
protection characteristics of the
coolant and may cause engine
damage.
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