service indicator FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS 2001 10.G Owners Manual

Service engine soon
Your vehicle is equipped with a
computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This
system is commonly known as the
On Board Diagnostics System
(OBD). This OBD system protects
the environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD system also assists the service
technician in properly servicing your vehicle.
TheService Engine Soonindicator light illuminates when the ignition is
first turned to the ON position to check the bulb. If it comes on after the
engine is started, one of the engine’s emission control systems may be
malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern
being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require
towing.
What you should do if the Service Engine Soon light illuminates
Light turns on solid:
This means that the OBD system has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause yourService Engine Soonlight to
illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely
tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with high quality fuel of the recommended octane and/or properly
installing and securely tightening the gas cap. After three driving cycles
without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, theService
Engine Soonlight should turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold
engine startup followed by mixed city/highway driving.) No additional
vehicle service is required.
If theService Engine Soonlight remains on, have your vehicle serviced
at the first available opportunity.
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
Instrumentation
8

Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter.
You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and
deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
The Transmission Control Indicator
Light (TCIL), which is located on
the gearshift lever (the word OFF),
may flash steadily if a transmission
malfunction has been detected. It
the TCIL is flashing, contact your Ford dealer as soon as possible. If this
condition persists, damage to the transmission may occur.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
to ensure the circuit is functional. If
the light remains on after the
vehicle is started, continues to flash
or fails to illuminate, have the system serviced immediately. With the
ABS light on, the anti-lock brake system is disabled and normal braking
is still effective unless the brake warning light also remains illuminated.
Door ajar (if equipped)
Illuminates when the ignition switch
is in the ON or START position and
any door is open.
OVERDRIVE
ABS
DOOR
AJAR
Instrumentation
9

2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
•If the oil level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks,the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level is below the MIN mark, add enough oil to raise the level
within the MIN-MAX range.
•Oil levels above the MAX mark may cause engine damage. Some oil
must be removed from the engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the MIN and MAX ranges, add only
certified engine oil of the recommended viscosity. 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
MAX mark on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
MAX MIN
Maintenance and care
59

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%.
•decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the corrosion protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure 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.
•the
symbol will illuminate.
•the
symbol will illuminate.
•theService Engine Soon
indicator light 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.
H
C
Maintenance and care
68

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCON
AT F.
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.
ADD MAX. HOTFULL
Maintenance and care
70

An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
The original universal joints are equipped with grease fittings.
Lubrication will be necessary. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide
for maintenance intervals.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the “level indicator”.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Maintenance and care
73

Many of the world’s automakers
issued 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. In Canada,
look for fuels that display theAuto Makers’ Choicelogo.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
•Your “Service Engine Soon” indicator may come on. For more
information on the “Service Engine Soon” indicator, refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fillups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend taking
fuel economy measurements during the first 1 600 km (1 000 miles) of
driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3 000 km–5 000 km (2 000 miles-3 000 miles).
Maintenance and care
83

warning chime ..........................10
I
Ignition .............................16, 96–97
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ..........................................90
Instrument panel
cluster ..........................................6
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................16
J
Jack ..............................................48
positioning .................................48
storage .......................................48
Jump-starting your vehicle ........52
K
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............10
positions of the ignition ...........16
L
Lamps
cargo lamps ...............................16
daytime running light ...............15
headlamps .................................15
headlamps, flash to pass ..........16
instrument panel, dimming .....16
replacing bulbs .........................91
Lights, warning and indicator ......6
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ........9, 28
brake ............................................7
charging system ..........................7
check coolant ..............................6
door ajar ......................................9engine oil pressure .....................6
fuel reset ...................................10
high beam .................................10
low fuel ........................................6
safety belt ...................................7
service engine soon ....................8
turn signal indicator .................10
Load limits ...................................33
GAWR ........................................33
GVWR ........................................33
trailer towing ............................33
Lubricant specifications .......95–96
M
Motorcraft parts ....................87, 93
O
Octane rating ..............................82
Odometer .....................................13
Oil (see Engine oil) ....................58
Overdrive .....................................21
P
Parking brake ..............................29
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ......93
Power distribution box (see
Fuses) ..........................................44
Power steering
fluid, checking and adding ......70
fluid, refill capacity ..................94
fluid, specifications .............95–96
R
Relays ....................................41, 48
2001 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement(supplement)
USA English(fus)
Index
102