check engine light FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS 2013 12.G Owners Manual

Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description
Brake fluid –
non
petroleum
baseBrake systemCabin air
filter
Check fuel
capChild Safety
Door Lock
and UnlockChild seat
lower anchor
Child seat
tether anchorCruise
controlDo not open
when hot
Engine air
filterEngine
coolantEngine
coolant
temperature
Engine oilExplosive gasFan warning
Fasten safety
beltFront airbagFront fog
lamps
Fuel pump
resetFuse
compartmentHazard
warning
flasher
Heated rear
windowInterior
luggage
compartment
releaseJack
Lighting
controlLow tire
pressure
warningMaintain
correct fluid
level
Panic alarmParking aid
systemParking
brake system
Introduction5
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Transmission Fluid Temperature Gauge
Normal area:The transmission fluid is within the normal operating
temperature (between H and C).
Yellow area:The transmission fluid is higher than normal operating
temperature. This can be caused by special operation conditions (i.e.
snowplowing, towing or off-road use). Operating the transmission for
extended periods of time with the gauge in the yellow area may cause
internal transmission damage. Altering the severity of the driving
conditions is recommended to lower the transmission temperature into
the normal range.
Red area:The transmission fluid is overheating. Stop the vehicle to
allow the temperature to return to normal range.
If the gauge is operating in the yellow or red area, stop the vehicle and
verify the airflow is not restricted such as snow or debris blocking airflow
through the grill. If the gauge continues to show high temperatures, see
your authorized dealer.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
At normal operating temperature, the needle will remain in the center
section. If the needle enters the red section, the engine is overheating.
Stop the engine, switch the ignition off and determine the cause once
the engine has cooled down. SeeEngine Coolant Check.
Note:Do not restart the engine until the cause of overheating has been
resolved.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
Fuel Gauge
Switch the ignition on. The fuel gauge will indicate approximately how
much fuel is left in the fuel tank. The fuel gauge may vary slightly when
the vehicle is moving or on a gradient. The arrow adjacent to the fuel
pump symbol indicates on which side of your vehicle the fuel filler door
is located.
Instrument Cluster17
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Brake Reserve System (if equipped)
Illuminates to indicate normal hydromax booster reserve system
activation when the engine is off and the service brake pedal is
applied.
This light may also illuminate momentarily if the engine is running and
the driver turns the steering wheel fully in one direction while braking.
If the light remains on while the engine is running, this indicates
inadequate hydraulic booster pressure or reserve pump system failure.
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and seek service immediately by
your authorized dealer.
Cruise Control (if equipped)
It will illuminate when you switch this feature on.
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.
Electronic Throttle Control
Illuminates when the engine has defaulted to a limp-home
operation. See your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
High Beam
It will illuminate when the headlamp high beam is switched on.
It will flash when you use the headlamp flasher.
Fasten Safety Belt
It will illuminate and a chime will sound to remind you to fasten
your safety belt.
Instrument Cluster19
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Service Engine Soon
If the service engine soon indicator light stays illuminated after
the engine is started, it indicates that the On Board Diagnostics
system (OBD) has detected a malfunction of the vehicle
emissions control system. Refer toOn board diagnostics (OBD)in the
Fuel and Refuelingchapter for more information about having your
vehicle serviced.
If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could damage
your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy
acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately.
Note:Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter or other vehicle components.
The service engine soon indicator light illuminates when the ignition is
first turned on prior to engine start to check the bulb and to indicate
whether the vehicle is ready for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing.
Normally, the service engine soon light will stay on until the engine is
cranked, then turn itself off if no malfunctions are present. However, if
after 15 seconds the service engine soon light blinks eight times, it
means that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. SeeReadiness for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testingin theFuel and Refueling
chapter.
Transmission Tow/Haul (if equipped)
Illuminates when the tow/haul feature has been activated. If the
light flashes steadily, have the system serviced immediately,
damage to the transmission could occur.
20Instrument Cluster
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Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a 1/4th turn on and
off feature.When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise until it spins off.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/4 of a turn clockwise until it clicks at
least once.
If the check fuel cap light or a Check fuel cap message appears in the
information displays screen and stays on after you start the engine, the
fuel filler cap may not be properly installed.
If the fuel cap light remains on, at the next opportunity, safely pull off of
the road, remove the fuel filler cap, align the cap properly and reinstall
it. The check fuel cap light or Check fuel cap message may not reset
immediately; it may take several driving cycles for the indicators to turn
off. A driving cycle consists of an engine start-up (after four or more
hours with the engine off) followed by normal city and highway driving.
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Filling the tank
The advertised capacity is the indicated capacity and the empty reserve
combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the amount of fuel in a
full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates empty. Empty reserve
is the amount of fuel in the tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
Note:The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your vehicle
after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be able to refuel the
full amount of the advertised capacity of the fuel tank due to the empty
reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the ignition off before fueling; an inaccurate reading results if the
engine is left running.
•Use the same fill rate (low–medium–high) each time the tank is filled.
•Allow no more than two automatic click–offs when filling.
Results are most accurate when the filling method is consistent.
34Fuel and Refueling
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Trailer Brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type brakes are safe if
installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations.
WARNING:Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system
directly to your vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly
increase.
The towing vehicle braking system is rated for operation at the
GVWR, not the GCWR.
Separate functioning brake systems are required for safe control
of towed vehicles and trailers weighing more than 1,500 lb
(680 kg) when loaded.
Trailer Lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Contact
your authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions
and equipment for hooking up the lamps.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing-up to get the feel of the
vehicle-trailer combination before starting on a trip. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles
(800 kilometers).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts
thoroughly after you have traveled 50 miles (80 kilometers).
•When stopped in congested or heavy traffic during hot weather, place
gearshift in P (Park) to aid engine and transmission cooling and to
help A/C performance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavy loads or in hilly terrain. The
speed control may turn off automatically when you are towing on
long, steep grades.
Towing57
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ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
Checking the Engine Coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
intervals listed inScheduled Maintenance Information.
Note:Make sure that the level is at the FULL COLD level or within the
COLD FILL RANGE in the coolant reservoir.
Note:Coolant expands when it is hot. The level may extend beyond the
COLD FILL RANGE.
If the level is below the COLD FILL RANGE, add coolant immediately.
SeeAdding Engine Coolantin this chapter.
The coolant concentration should be maintained at 50%.
Note:For best results, coolant concentration should be tested with a
refractometer such as Rotunda tool ROB75240 available from your
dealer. Ford does not recommend the use of hydrometers or coolant test
strips for measuring coolant concentrations.
Note:Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant/antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
Adding Engine Coolant
WARNING:Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot.
Steam and scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system
can burn you badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts.
WARNING:Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer
fluid container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine 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 the cap is loosened slightly.
WARNING:Do not add coolant further than the MAX mark.
Maintenance87
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Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a normal operating characteristic
and, by itself, does not necessarily indicate a concern or that the fluid
needs to be changed. However, discolored fluids that also show signs of
overheating and/or foreign material contamination should be inspected
immediately by a qualified expert such as the factory-trained technicians
at your dealership. Your vehicle’s oils and fluids should be changed at the
specified intervals or in conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a viable
way to change fluid for many vehicle sub-systems during scheduled
maintenance. It is critical that systems are flushed only with new fluid
that is the same as that required to fill and operate the system, or using
a Ford-approved flushing chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
every month or at six months 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.
Hinges, latches and outside locks for proper operation. Lubricate if
necessary.
Parking brake for proper operation.
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function.
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation.
Washer spray and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as
necessary.
Scheduled Maintenance139
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EXCEPTIONS
Normal vehicle axle maintenance:Rear axles and power take-off
(PTO) units with synthetic fluid and light-duty trucks equipped with
Ford-design axles are lubricated for life; do not check or change fluid
unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the assembly has been
submerged in water. During long periods of trailer towing with outside
temperatures above 70°F (21°C) and at wide-open throttle for long
periods above 45 mph (72 km/h), non-synthetic rear axle fluids should
be changed every 3000 miles (4800 kilometers) or three months,
whichever comes first. This interval can be waived if the axle is filled
with 75W140 synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford specification
WSL-M2C192-A, part number F1TZ-19580-B or equivalent. Add friction
modifier XL-3 (EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of
Traction-Lok rear axles (refer toTechnical specificationsin the
Capacities and Specificationschapter for details).
California fuel filter replacement:If the vehicle is registered in
California, the California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of the vehicle’s
useful life. Ford Motor Company, however, urges you to have all
recommended maintenance services performed at the specified intervals
and to record all vehicle service.
Class A Motorhome:Change brake fluid every two years.
Hot climate oil change intervals:Vehicles operating in the Middle
East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa or locations with similar climates
using an American Petroleum Institute (API) Certified for Gasoline
Engines (Certification mark) oil of SM or SN quality, the normal oil
change interval is 5000 miles (8000 kilometers).
If the available API “SM” or “SN” oils are not available, then the oil
change service interval is 3000 miles (4800 kilometers).
Engine air filter replacement:Engine air filter life is dependent on
exposure to dusty and dirty conditions. Vehicles operated in these
conditions require frequent inspection and replacement of the engine air
filter.
Scheduled Maintenance151
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lubrication specifications .......128
refill capacities ........................128
service points ......................84–85
Engine oil
checking and adding ................86
dipstick ......................................86
filter, specifications ................132
refill capacities ........................128
specifications ..........................128
Event data recording ....................6
Exhaust fumes ............................29
F
Fail safe cooling ..........................90
Fluid capacities .........................128
Fuel
cap .............................................33
capacity ...................................128
choosing the right fuel .............32
filling your vehicle with fuel ....33
filter, specifications ..........97, 132
octane rating .....................32, 127
quality ........................................32
running out of fuel ...................32
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .......................30
Fuses ................................74–75, 79
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ..............33
Gauges .........................................16
H
Hazard flashers ...........................63
Headlamps
flash to pass ..............................13
high beam .................................13I
Ignition .................................28, 127
Information displays ...................22
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ..........................................38
Instrument panel
cluster ........................................18
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ........64
K
Keys
positions of the ignition ...........28
L
Lamps
headlamps, flash to pass ..........13
Lights, warning and indicator ....18
Loading instructions ...................53
Load limits ...................................48
Lubricant specifications ...........128
Lug nuts ....................................126
M
Message center ...........................22
english/metric button ...............24
system check button ................24
warning messages .....................24
Motorcraftparts ......................132
O
Octane rating ..............................32
154Index
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