coolant level FORD F-53 2021 Owners Manual

Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
Indicates engine oil pressure. The needle
should stay in the normal operating range,
between the L and H marks. 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 and the gauge displays
incorrectly, have your vehicle checked by
an authorized dealer.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge WARNING:
Do not remove the
coolant reservoir cap when the engine is
on or 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 is in the normal range. If the
engine coolant temperature exceeds the
normal range, stop your vehicle as soon as
possible, switch off the engine and let the
engine cool.
Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge indicates about how much
fuel is 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.
Note: The fuel gauge may vary slightly
when your vehicle is moving or on a slope. Low Fuel Reminder
A low fuel level reminder displays and
sounds when the distance to empty
reaches
50 mi (80 km), 25 mi (40 km),
10 mi (20 km) and 0 mi (0 km).
Note: The low fuel reminder can appear at
different fuel gauge positions depending on
fuel economy conditions. This variation is
normal.
Distance to Empty
Indicates the approximate distance your
vehicle can travel on the fuel remaining in
the tank. Changes in driving pattern can
cause the value to not only decrease but
also increase or stay constant for periods
of time.
Configurable Gauge
Transmission Fluid Temperature Gauge
Indicates transmission fluid temperature.
At normal operating temperature, the level
indicator is in the normal range. If the
transmission fluid temperature exceeds
the normal range, stop your vehicle as soon
as possible and verify the airflow is not
restricted by snow or debris blocking
airflow through the grille.
To lower the transmission temperature
into the normal range, alter the severity of
your driving conditions. Operating the
transmission for extended periods with the
gauge in the higher than normal area may
cause internal transmission damage. If the
gauge continues to show high
temperatures, see an authorized dealer.
Voltmeter
Displays electrical system voltage.
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Cruise Control Indicator
Illuminates when you switch this
feature on. See What Is Cruise
Control (page 60).
Direction Indicator Illuminates when you switch the
left or right direction indicator or
the hazard flasher on. If the
indicators stay on or flash faster, check for
a burned out bulb.
Electronic Throttle Control Illuminates when the engine has
defaulted to a limp-home
operation. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Lamp Illuminates when the engine
coolant temperature is high.
Stop the vehicle as soon as
possible, switch off the engine and let cool.
Fasten Seatbelt Warning Lamp It illuminates and a chime
sounds until you fasten the
seatbelts.
Headlamp High Beam Indicator Illuminates when you switch the
high beam headlamps on. It will
flash when you use the
headlamp flasher. Hydromax
(If Equipped) If the light illuminates and
remains on when the key is in the
on position or the engine is
running, this indicates inadequate hydraulic
booster pressure or reserve pump system
failure. Stop the vehicle as soon as
possible and have your vehicle checked.
Lane Departure Warning Indicator
(If Equipped) Illuminates when the system
activates. See
Lane Keeping
System (page 70).
Low Fuel Level Warning Lamp Illuminates when the fuel level
is low or the fuel tank is nearly
empty. Refuel as soon as
possible.
Oil Pressure Warning Lamp 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 116).
Parking Lamps Illuminates when you switch the
parking lamps on.
Service Engine Soon If it illuminates when the engine
is running this indicates a
malfunction. The On Board
Diagnostics system has detected a
malfunction of the vehicle emission control
system.
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REDUCED ENGINE
PERFORMANCE
WARNING: If you continue to drive
your vehicle when the engine is
overheating, the engine could stop
without warning. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge
needle moves to the upper limit position,
the engine is overheating. See Gauges
(page 24).
You must only drive your vehicle for a short
distance if the engine overheats. The
distance you can travel depends on
ambient temperature, vehicle load and
terrain. The engine continues to operate
with limited power for a short period of
time.
If the engine temperature continues to rise,
the fuel supply to the engine reduces. The
air conditioning switches off and the engine
cooling fan operates continually.
1. Gradually reduce your speed and stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so.
2. Immediately switch the engine off to prevent severe engine damage.
3. Wait for the engine to cool down.
4. Check the coolant level. See
Engine
Coolant Check (page 118).
5. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Your fuel economy is affected by several
things, such as how you drive, the
conditions you drive under, and how you
maintain your vehicle. You may improve your fuel economy by
keeping these things in mind:
•
Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,
moderate fashion.
• Drive at steady speeds without
stopping.
• Anticipate stops; slowing down may
eliminate the need to stop.
• Combine errands and minimize
stop-and-go driving.
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving.
• Drive at reasonable speeds (traveling
at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15% less
fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105
km/h]).
• Keep the tires properly inflated and use
only the recommended size.
• Use the recommended engine oil.
• Perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance.
Avoid these actions; they reduce your fuel
economy:
• Sudden accelerations or hard
accelerations.
• Revving the engine before turning it off.
• Idle for periods longer than one minute.
• Warm up your vehicle on cold
mornings.
• Use the air conditioner or front
defroster.
• Use the speed control in hilly terrain.
• Rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving.
• Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow a
trailer.
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When changing the air filter element, use
only the air filter element listed. See
Capacities and Specifications (page
152).
Note: Failure to use the correct air filter
element may result in severe engine
damage. The customer warranty may be
void for any damage to the engine if you do
not use the correct air filter element.
Note: It may be necessary to loosen the
worm gear clamp connecting the air cleaner
to the clean air duct, disconnect the duct
from the air cleaner, disconnect the mass
air flow sensor electrical wiring harness
connector from the cover, and partially
dismount the air cleaner cover and tray from
the rubber grommets on the bracket to
service the air cleaner. 1. Loosen the latches that secure the air
filter cover in place.
2. Carefully separate the two halves of the air filter housing.
3. Remove the air filter element from the
housing.
4. Wipe any dirt or debris from the air filter
housing and cover. 5. Install a new air filter element.
6. Replace the air filter cover to the
housing and secure the latches. Be
careful not to crimp the filter element
edges between the air filter housing.
This could cause filter damage and
allow unmetered air to enter the engine
if not properly seated.
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK WARNING:
Do not remove the
coolant reservoir cap when the engine is
on or 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. WARNING:
Do not put coolant in
the windshield washer reservoir. If
sprayed on the windshield, 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 you loosen
the cap slightly. WARNING:
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 168).
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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
-29°F (-34°C) and -35°F
(-37°C). Check coolant concentration
using a refractometer. We do not
recommend the use of hydrometers or
coolant test strips for measuring coolant
concentration.
Adding Coolant WARNING:
Do not remove the
coolant reservoir cap when the engine is
on or 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.
Note: Automotive fluids are not
interchangeable. Take care not to put
engine coolant in the windshield washer
fluid reservoir or windshield washer fluid in
the engine coolant reservoir.
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 152). Do not mix
different colors or types of coolant in your
vehicle. Mixing of engine coolants or using
an incorrect coolant could harm the engine
or cooling system components and may
not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Note: If prediluted coolant is not available,
use the approved concentrated coolant
diluting it to 50/50 with deionized or
distilled water. See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 152). Using water that
has not been deionized may contribute to
deposit formation, corrosion and plugging
of the small cooling system passageways.
Note: Coolants marketed for all makes and
models may not be approved to our
specifications and could 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.
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 approved to the correct specification. See
Capacities and Specifications (page
152
).
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.
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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 correct level.
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.
In case of emergency, you can add a large
amount of water without engine coolant
in 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, 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.
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 could cause engine
damage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
• You can decrease the coolant
concentration to 40%.
• Coolant concentrations below 40%
decrease the freeze and corrosion
protection characteristics of the
coolant and could cause engine
damage.
Use prediluted coolant in vehicles driven
year-round in non-extreme climates for
optimum cooling system and engine
protection.
Coolant Change
Change the coolant at specific mileage
intervals, as listed in the scheduled
maintenance information. Add prediluted
coolant approved to the correct
specification. See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 152).
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Fail-Safe Cooling
Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarily
drive your vehicle before any incremental
component damage occurs. The fail-safe
distance depends on ambient
temperature, vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat,
the coolant temperature gauge
moves toward the red zone:
A warning lamp illuminates and
a message may appear in the
information display.
If the engine reaches a preset
over-temperature condition, the engine
automatically switches to alternating
cylinder operation. Each disabled cylinder
acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs, your vehicle still
operates, however:
• Engine power is limited.
• The air conditioning system turns off.
Continued operation increases the engine
temperature, causing the engine to
completely shut down. Your steering and
braking effort increases in this situation.
When the engine temperature cools, you
can re-start the engine. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated WARNING: Fail-safe mode is for
use during emergencies only. Operate
your vehicle in fail-safe mode only as
long as necessary to bring your vehicle
to rest in a safe location and seek
immediate repairs. When in fail-safe
mode, your 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:
Do not remove the
coolant reservoir cap when the engine is
on or 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.
Your vehicle has limited engine power
when in the fail-safe mode, drive your
vehicle with caution. Your vehicle does not
maintain high-speed operation and the
engine may operate poorly.
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.
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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 could temporarily reach a higher
temperature during severe operating
conditions, for example ascending a long
or steep slope in high ambient
temperatures.
At this time, you may notice the coolant
temperature gauge moves toward the red
zone and a message could 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, slope 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 could 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. If the
temperature does not drop after
several minutes, 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.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK WARNING:
The dipstick and
surrounding components are hot. Use
gloves when moving components and
checking the transmission fluid level.
Failure to follow this warning could result
in serious personal injury.
Note: Automatic transmission fluid
expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until
it is at normal operating temperature
(approximately
20 mi (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 to normal operating
temperature 196°F - 215°F (91°C - 102°C)
before checking.
Refer to your scheduled maintenance
information for scheduled intervals for fluid
checks and changes.
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POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK Note:
The power steering cap has both a
cold and hot indicator on the dipstick.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating temperature
(the engine coolant temperature gauge
indicator will be near the center of the
normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel left and right several times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick. It should be between the arrows in the
FULL range on the side of the dipstick
with the words MAX. HOT at the top.
Do not add fluid if the level is within
this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking the
level until it reaches the FULL range.
Be sure to put the dipstick back in the
reservoir.
Steering linkage lubrication points
There are nine lubrication points on the
steering linkage: See Capacities and
Specifications (page 156).
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Cooling system
•
Protect against freezing temperatures.
• When removing your vehicle from
storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm that there are no cooling
system leaks and that fluid is at the
recommended level.
Disconnecting Your 12 Volt Battery
• Check and recharge as necessary. Keep
connections clean.
• If storing your vehicle for more than 30
days without recharging the battery,
we recommend that you disconnect
the battery cables to maintain battery
charge for quick starting.
Note: It is necessary to reset memory
features if you disconnect the battery
cables.
Brakes
• Make sure the brakes and parking brake
release fully.
Tires
• Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
• Make sure all linkages, cables, levers
and pins under your vehicle are covered
with grease to prevent rust.
• Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m)
every 15 days to lubricate working parts
and prevent corrosion. Removing Vehicle From Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of
storage, do the following:
•
Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt
or grease film build-up on window
surfaces.
• Check windshield wipers for any
deterioration.
• Check under the hood for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage such as mice or squirrel
nests.
• Check the exhaust for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage.
• Check tire pressures and set tire
inflation per the Tire Label.
• Check brake pedal operation. Drive
your vehicle
15 ft (4.5 m) back and
forth to remove rust build-up.
• Check fluid levels (including coolant,
oil and gas) to make sure there are no
leaks, and fluids are at recommended
levels.
• If you remove the battery, clean the
battery cable ends and check for
damage.
Contact an authorized dealer if you have
any concerns or issues.
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