check oil FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS 2002 10.G Owners Manual

Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Emission SystemEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check fuel capLow tire warning
Introduction
6

Charging system
Illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly.
Oil pressure/Engine coolant
Illuminates when the engine coolant
temperature is above the normal
range or the engine oil pressure is
below normal range. Check the
engine oil and coolant level refer toAdding engine oilandAdding
coolantin theMaintenance and specifications chapter.
Low fuel
Illuminates when the fuel level in
the fuel tank is at, or near, empty
(refer toFuel gaugein this chapter
for more information).
Fuel reset
Illuminates when the fuel pump
shut-off switch has been triggered.
For more information, refer toFuel
pump shut-off switchin the
Roadside emergencieschapter.
Turn signal
Illuminates when the left or right
turn signal or the hazard lights are
turned on. Refer toBulbsin the
Maintenance and carechapter.
LOW
FUEL
FUEL
RESET
Instrumentation
10

Engine coolant temperature gauge
Indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant. At normal operating
temperature, the needle remains
within the normal area (the area
between the “H” and “C”). If it
enters the red section, the engine is
overheating. Stop the vehicle as
soon as safely possible, switch off
the engine immediately and let the
engine cool. Refer toEngine
coolantin theMaintenance and
specificationschapter.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot. Steam and scalding liquid from a hot cooling
system can burn you badly.
This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant, not the
coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level the gauge indication
will not be accurate.
Engine oil pressure gauge
Indicates engine oil pressure. At
normal operating temperature, the
needle will be in the normal range
(the area between the “L” and “H”);
if the needle goes below the normal
range, stop the vehicle as soon as
safely possible and switch off the
engine immediately. Check the oil
level. Add oil if needed (refer to
Engine oilin theMaintenance
and specificationschapter). If the
oil level is correct, have your vehicle checked at your dealership or by a
qualified technician.
H
C
L
H
Instrumentation
12

ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
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.
Maintenance and specifications
61

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).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
until three clicks can be heard.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this certification
trademark.
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended.
Only use oils “Certified For Gasoline Engines” by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). Use Motorcraft or an equivalent oil meeting
Ford specification WSS-M2C153–H.SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum
fuel economy and durability performance meeting all
requirements for your vehicle’s engine.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could, under certain conditions,
lead to engine damage which is not covered by your warranty.
Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in the scheduled maintenance guide.
Maintenance and specifications
62

Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.
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 specifications
63

testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the
Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014–R1060). The level of coolant
should be maintained at the “cold full” of “cold fill range” level in the
coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions
in theAdding Engine Coolantsection.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50–50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•Freeze protection down to -36° C (-34° F).
•Boiling protection up to 129° C (265° F).
•Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
When the engine is cold, check the
level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
•The engine coolant should be at the “cold fill level” or within the “cold
fill range” as listed on the engine coolant reservoir (depending upon
application).
•Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for service interval
schedules.
•Be sure to read and understandPrecautions when servicing your
vehiclein this chapter.
COLD FILL LEVEL
Maintenance and specifications
66

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 toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle scheduled maintenance guide.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12–16 km (8–10 miles) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
Maintenance and specifications
81

A
Air cleaner filter .............88–89, 95
Ambulance packages ....................4
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ..................65
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ................................27
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive ...................................31
fluid, adding ..............................86
fluid, checking ..........................86
fluid, refill capacities ................95
fluid, specification ....................99
Axle
lubricant specifications ......97, 99
refill capacities ..........................95
B
Battery .........................................63
acid, treating emergencies .......63
charging system
warning light .............................10
jumping a disabled battery ......51
maintenance-free ......................63
replacement, specifications .....95
servicing ....................................63
voltage gauge ............................13
Brakes ....................................26, 28
anti-lock .....................................27
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .............9, 28
brake warning light ....................9
fluid, checking and adding ......85
fluid, refill capacities ................95
fluid, specifications .............97, 99
lubricant specifications ......97, 99
shift interlock ............................30Break-in period .............................4
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ......95
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ................58
exterior ......................................58
wheels ........................................58
Coolant
checking and adding ................65
refill capacities ....................69, 95
specifications ......................97, 99
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................17
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................15
Dipstick
automatic transmission fluid ...86
engine oil ...................................61
Doors
door ajar warning .....................11
lubricant specifications ............97
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ......................................88
Driving under special
conditions
through water ...........................33
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ............................51
Emission control system ............82
Engine ..........................................99
Index
101

check engine/
service engine soon light ...........7
cleaning .....................................58
coolant .......................................65
fail-safe coolant ........................70
idle speed control .....................63
lubrication specifications ...97, 99
refill capacities ..........................95
service points ............................60
starting after a collision ...........39
Engine block heater ...................25
Engine oil ....................................61
checking and adding ................61
dipstick ......................................61
filter, specifications ............62, 95
recommendations .....................62
refill capacities ..........................95
specifications ......................97, 99
Exhaust fumes ............................25
F
Fail safe cooling ..........................70
Fluid capacities ...........................95
Fuel ..............................................72
calculating fuel economy .........78
capacity .....................................95
choosing the right fuel .............74
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates ...................81
detergent in fuel .......................75
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..............................72, 78
filter, specifications ............76, 95
fuel pump shut-off switch .......39
gauge .........................................13
improving fuel economy ..........78
low fuel warning light ..............10
octane rating .......................74, 99
quality ........................................75running out of fuel ...................75
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ..................72
Fuses ............................................41
G
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) ...................78
Gauges .........................................11
battery voltage gauge ...............13
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................12
engine oil pressure gauge ........12
fuel gauge ..................................13
odometer ...................................14
speedometer .............................13
tachometer ................................14
trip odometer ............................14
GAWR (Gross Axle
Weight Rating) ............................34
calculating .................................35
definition ...................................34
driving with a heavy load ........34
location ......................................34
GVWR (Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating) ............................34
calculating ...........................34–35
definition ...................................34
driving with a heavy load ........34
location ......................................34
H
Hazard flashers ...........................39
Headlamps ...................................15
daytime running lights .............15
flash to pass ..............................16
high beam ...........................11, 15
turning on and off ....................15
warning chime ..........................11
Index
102