overheating FORD F-53 2019 Owners Manual

Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
Indicates engine oil pressure. At normaloperating temperature, the level indicatoris in the normal range. If the pressure gaugefalls below the normal range, stop yourvehicle, switch off the engine and checkthe engine oil level. Add oil if needed. If theoil level is correct, have your vehiclechecked by an authorized dealer.
Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed. Vehicle speed islimited to either 65 mph (105 km/h) or75 mph (120 km/h).
Transmission Fluid TemperatureGauge
Normal area
The transmission fluid is within the normaloperating temperature (between H andC).
Yellow area
The transmission fluid is higher thannormal operating temperature. This canbe caused by special operation conditions(snowplowing, towing or off-road use).
To lower the transmission temperatureinto the normal range, alter the severity ofyour driving conditions. Operating thetransmission for extended periods with thegauge in the higher than normal area maycause internal transmission damage. If thegauge continues to show hightemperatures, see an authorized dealer.
Red area
The transmission fluid is overheating. Stopthe vehicle to allow the temperature toreturn to normal range.
If the gauge is operating in the yellow orred area, stop the vehicle and verify theairflow is not restricted such as snow ordebris blocking airflow through the grille.If the gauge continues to show hightemperatures, see your authorized dealer.
Engine Coolant TemperatureGauge
WARNING: Do not remove thecoolant reservoir cap when the coolingsystem is hot. Wait 10 minutes for thecooling system to cool down. Cover thecoolant reservoir cap with a thick clothto prevent the possibility of scalding andslowly remove the cap. Failure to followthis instruction could result in personalinjury.
Indicates engine coolant temperature. Atnormal operating temperature, the levelindicator is in the normal range. If theengine coolant temperature exceeds thenormal range, stop your vehicle as soon aspossible, switch off the engine and let theengine cool.
Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge indicates about how muchfuel is in the fuel tank.
The arrow adjacent to the fuel pumpsymbol indicates on which side of yourvehicle the fuel filler door is located.
Note:The fuel gauge may vary slightlywhen your vehicle is moving or on a slope.
Low Fuel Reminder
A low fuel level reminder displays andsounds when the distance to emptyreaches 50 mi (80 km),25 mi (40 km),10 mi (20 km) and 0 mi (0 km).
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Engine
ActionMessage
The engine is overheating. Stop your vehicle as soonas safely possible, turn off the engine. If the warningstays on followed by an indicator chime or continuesto come on, contact an authorized dealer as soon aspossible. Never remove the coolant reservoir cap whilethe engine is running or hot.
REDUCED ENGINE POWER
The engine is overheating. Stop your vehicle as soonas safely possible, turn off the engine. If the warningstays on followed by an indicator chime or continuesto come on, contact an authorized dealer as soon aspossible.
STOP ENGINE SAFELY
The engine coolant is overheating. Stop your vehicleas soon as safely possible, turn off the engine and letit cool. Check the coolant and coolant level. If thewarning stays on or continues to come on, contact anauthorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK ENGINE TEMPERATURE
A early reminder of a low fuel condition.FUEL LEVEL LOW
Maintenance
ActionMessage
The engine oil pressure is low. Check the level of theengine oil. If the oil level is OK and this warning persists,shut down the engine immediately and contact anauthorized dealer as soon as possible. See Engine OilCheck (page 95).
LOW OIL PRESSURE
The brake fluid level is low and the brake systemshould be inspected immediately. See Brake FluidCheck (page 102).
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW
The fuel cap is loose, not seated properly or off. Stopyour vehicle when convenient, turn off the engine andcheck that you inserted the fuel cap properly. Rotatethe cap until you hear a click. The warning messageswitches off after a proper drive cycle is completed.See Emission Law (page 34). If the warning messageremains on or continues to comes back on, see anauthorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK FUEL CAP
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Transmission
ActionMessage
The transmission fluid is overheating. This warningmay appear when towing heavy loads or when drivingin a low gear at a high speed for an extended periodof time. Stop your vehicle as soon as safely possible,turn off the engine and let the transmission cool.
CHECK TRANS TEMPERATURE
A reminder to apply the brakes, then shift to park.SHIFT TO PARK
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BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires forapproximately 300 mi (480 km). Duringthis time, your vehicle may exhibit someunusual driving characteristics.
Avoid driving too fast during the first1,000 mi (1,600 km). Vary your speedfrequently and change up through thegears early. Do not labor the engine.
Do not tow during the first 1,000 mi(1,600 km).
REDUCED ENGINE
PERFORMANCE
WARNING: If you continue to driveyour vehicle when the engine isoverheating, the engine could stopwithout warning. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature gaugeneedle moves to the upper limit position,the engine is overheating. See Gauges(page 16).
You must only drive your vehicle for a shortdistance if the engine overheats. Thedistance you can travel depends onambient temperature, vehicle load andterrain. The engine continues to operatewith limited power for a short period oftime.
If the engine temperature continues to rise,the fuel supply to the engine reduces. Theair conditioning switches off and the enginecooling fan operates continually.
1.Gradually reduce your speed and stopyour vehicle as soon as it is safe to doso.
2.Immediately switch the engine off toprevent severe engine damage.
3.Wait for the engine to cool down.
4.Check the coolant level. See EngineCoolant Check (page 96).
5.Have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Your fuel economy is affected by severalthings, such as how you drive, theconditions you drive under, and how youmaintain your vehicle.
You may improve your fuel economy bykeeping these things in mind:
•Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,moderate fashion.
•Drive at steady speeds withoutstopping.
•Anticipate stops; slowing down mayeliminate the need to stop.
•Combine errands and minimizestop-and-go driving.
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
•Drive at reasonable speeds (travelingat 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15% lessfuel than traveling at 65 mph [105km/h]).
•Keep the tires properly inflated and useonly the recommended size.
•Use the recommended engine oil.
•Perform all regularly scheduledmaintenance.
Avoid these actions; they reduce your fueleconomy:
•Sudden accelerations or hardaccelerations.
•Revving the engine before turning it off.
•Idle for periods longer than one minute.
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2.Add prediluted coolant approved tothe correct specification. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page134).
3.Add enough prediluted coolant toreach the correct level.
4.Replace the coolant reservoir cap, turnit clockwise until you feel a strongresistance.
5.Check the coolant level in the coolantreservoir the next few times you driveyour vehicle. If necessary, add enoughprediluted engine coolant to bring thecoolant level to the correct level.
If you have to add more than 1.1 qt (1 L) ofengine coolant per month, have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.Operating an engine with a low level ofcoolant can result in engine overheatingand possible engine damage.
Note:During normal vehicle operation, thecoolant may change color from orange topink or light red. As long as the coolant isclear and uncontaminated, this color changedoes not indicate the coolant has degradednor does it require the coolant to be drained,the system to be flushed, or the coolant tobe replaced.
In case of emergency, you can add a largeamount of water without engine coolantin order to reach a vehicle service location.In this instance, qualified personnel must:
•Drain the cooling system.
•Chemically clean the cooling system.
•Refill with engine coolant.
Water alone, without engine coolant, cancause engine damage from corrosion,overheating or freezing.
Do not use the following as a coolantsubstitute:
•Alcohol.
•Methanol.
•Brine.
•Any coolant mixed with alcohol ormethanol antifreeze.
Alcohol and other liquids can cause enginedamage from overheating or freezing.
Do not add extra inhibitors or additives tothe coolant. These can be harmful andcompromise the corrosion protection ofthe coolant.
Recycled Coolant
We do not recommend the use of recycledcoolant as an approved recycling processis not yet available.
Dispose of used engine coolant in anappropriate manner.
Follow your community's regulations andstandards for recycling and disposing ofautomotive fluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•It may be necessary to increase thecoolant concentration above 50%.
•A coolant concentration of 60%provides improved freeze pointprotection. Coolant concentrationsabove 60% decrease the overheatprotection characteristics of thecoolant and may cause enginedamage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•You can decrease the coolantconcentration to 40%.
•Coolant concentrations below 40%decrease the freeze and corrosionprotection characteristics of thecoolant and may cause enginedamage.
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2.If you are a member of a roadsideassistance program, we recommendthat you contact your roadsideassistance service provider.
3.If this is not possible, wait a shortperiod for the engine to cool.
4.Check the coolant level. If the coolantlevel is at or below the minimum mark,add prediluted coolant immediately.
5.When the engine temperature cools,you can re-start the engine. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible tominimize engine damage.
Note:Driving your vehicle without repairincreases the chance of engine damage.
Engine Coolant TemperatureManagement (If Equipped)
WARNING: To reduce the risk ofcrash and injury, be prepared that thevehicle speed may reduce and thevehicle may not be able to acceleratewith full power until the coolanttemperature reduces.
If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, theengine may temporarily reach a highertemperature during severe operatingconditions, for example ascending a longor steep grade in high ambienttemperatures.
At this time, you may notice the coolanttemperature gauge moves toward the redzone and a message may appear in theinformation display.
You may notice a reduction in vehiclespeed caused by reduced engine power inorder to manage the engine coolanttemperature. Your vehicle may enter thismode if certain high-temperature andhigh-load conditions take place. Theamount of speed reduction depends onvehicle loading, grade and ambienttemperature. If this occurs, there is no needto pull off the road, you can continue todrive your vehicle.
The air conditioning may automaticallyturn on and off during severe operatingconditions to protect the engine fromoverheating. When the coolanttemperature decreases to the normaloperating temperature, the air conditioningturns on.
If the coolant temperature gauge movesfully into the red zone, or if the coolanttemperature warning or service enginesoon messages appear in your informationdisplay, do the following:
1.Pull off the road as soon as safelypossible and shift the transmission intopark (P).
2.Leave the engine running until thecoolant temperature gauge needlereturns to the normal position. Afterseveral minutes, if the temperaturedoes not drop, follow the remainingsteps.
3.Switch the engine off and wait for it tocool. Check the coolant level.
4.If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, add prediluted coolantimmediately.
5.If the coolant level is normal, restartthe engine and continue.
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The transmission fluid should be in thisrange if at normal operating temperature196°F - 215°F (91°C - 102°C).
The transmission fluid should be checkedat normal operating temperature 196°F -215°F (91°C - 102°C) on a level surface.The normal operating temperature can bereached after approximately 20 mi(30 km) of driving. You can check the fluidwithout driving if the ambient temperatureis above 50°F (10°C). However, if fluid isadded at this time, an overfill conditioncould result when the vehicle reachesnormal operating temperature
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range mayresult in transmission failure. An overfillcondition of transmission fluid may causeshift and/or engagement concerns and/orpossible damage. High fluid levels can becaused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmissionfluid levels
Note:Use of a non-approved automatictransmission fluid may cause internaltransmission damage. Before adding anyfluid, make sure the correct type is used. Thetype of fluid used is normally indicated onthe transmission dipstick and also in theSee Capacities and Specifications (page134).
Add fluid in ½ pint (250 ml) incrementsthrough the filler tube until the level iscorrect.
Note:If an overfill occurs, excess fluidshould be removed by an authorized dealer.An overfill condition of transmission fluidmay cause shift and/or engagementconcerns and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmissionfluid additives, treatments or cleaningagents. The use of these materials mayaffect transmission operation and resultin damage to internal transmissioncomponents.
Automatic transmission fluid filter
The TorqShift6™ automatic transmissionis equipped with a serviceable transmissionfluid filter located inside the transmissionbottom pan. Refer to the scheduledmaintenance information for serviceintervals for the automatic transmissionfluid and transmission filter. Fortransmission filter maintenance, see yourauthorized dealer.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
Fluid levels between the MIN and MAXlines are within the normal operating range;there is no need to add fluid. If the fluidlevels are outside of the normal operatingrange, the performance of the systemcould be compromised; seek service fromyour authorized dealer immediately.
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Ford Motor Company has recommendedmaintenance intervals for various partsand component systems based uponengineering testing. Ford Motor Companyrelies upon this testing to determine themost appropriate mileage for replacementof oils and fluids to protect your vehicle atthe lowest overall cost to you andrecommends against maintenanceschedules that deviate from the scheduledmaintenance information.
We strongly recommend the use of onlygenuine Ford, Motorcraft orFord-authorized re-manufacturedreplacement parts engineered for yourvehicle.
Additives and Chemicals
This owner's manual and the FordWorkshop Manual list the recommendedadditives and chemicals for your vehicle.We do not recommend using chemicals oradditives not approved by us as part ofyour vehicle’s normal maintenance. Pleaseconsult your warranty information.
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is anormal operating characteristic and, byitself, does not necessarily indicate aconcern or that the fluid needs to bechanged. However, a qualified expert, suchas the factory-trained technicians at yourdealership, should inspect discolored fluidsthat also show signs of overheating orforeign material contaminationimmediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle’s oils andfluids at the specified intervals or inconjunction with a repair. Flushing is aviable way to change fluid for many vehiclesub-systems during scheduledmaintenance. It is critical that systems areflushed only with new fluid that is the sameas that required to fill and operate thesystem or using a Ford-approved flushingchemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Make sure you perform the following basicmaintenance checks and inspections everymonth or at six-month intervals.
Check every month
Engine oil level.
Function of all interior and exterior lights.
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure.
Windshield washer fluid level.
Check every six months
Battery connections. Clean if necessary.
Body and door drain holes for obstructions. Clean if necessary.
Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
Door weatherstrips for wear. Lubricate if necessary.
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