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

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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AUDIBLE WARNINGS AND INDICATORS
Headlamps On Warning Chime
Sounds when the headlamps or parking lamps are on, the ignition is off
(the key is not in the ignition) and the driver’s door is opened.
Fail-Safe Cooling Warning Chime
Sounds when the coolant gauge pointer has moved to hot. There are
three stages of chimes:
•Stage 1 is a single chime when the engine temperature begins to
overheat.
•Stage 2 is multiple chimes and engine power becomes limited in order
to help cool the engine.
•Stage 3 is multiple chimes and the engine will shut down.
Key In Ignition Warning Chime
Sounds when the key is left in the ignition in the off or accessory
position and the driver’s door is opened.
Information Display Chime
Sounds when some warning messages appear in the display for the first
time.
Parking Brake On Warning Chime
Sounds when you have left the parking brake on and you drive your
vehicle. If the warning chime remains on after you have released the
parking brake, have the system checked by your authorized dealer
immediately.
Instrument Cluster21
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Engine Cooling
System MessagesAction / Description
REDUCED ENGINE
POWERDisplayed when the engine is overheating.
Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible,
turn off the engine. If the warning stays on
followed by an indicator chime or continues to
come on, contact your authorized dealer as
soon as possible. Never remove the coolant
reservoir cap while the engine is running or
hot.
STOP ENGINE
SAFELYDisplayed when the engine is overheating.
Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible,
turn off the engine. If the warning stays on
followed by an indicator chime or continues to
come on, contact your authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
CHECK ENGINE
TEMPERATUREDisplayed when the engine coolant is
overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely
possible, turn off the engine and let it cool.
Check the coolant and coolant level. If the
warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Brake, Oil, Fuel and
Transmission
MessagesAction / Description
FUEL LEVEL LOWDisplayed as an early reminder of a low fuel
condition.
BRAKE FLUID
LEVEL LOWIndicates the brake fluid level is low and the
brake system should be inspected immediately.
Information Displays25
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Brake, Oil, Fuel and
Transmission
MessagesAction / Description
LOW OIL
PRESSUREDisplayed when the engine oil pressure is low.
If this warning message is displayed, check the
level of the engine oil. If the oil level is OK
and this warning persists, shut down the
engine immediately and contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK TRANS
TEMPERATUREDisplayed when the transmission fluid is
overheating. This warning may appear when
towing heavy loads or when driving in a low
gear at a high speed for an extended period of
time. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely
possible, turn off the engine and let the
transmission cool.
CHECK FUEL CAPDisplayed when the fuel cap is loose, not
seated properly or off. Stop the vehicle when
convenient, turn off the engine and check that
the fuel cap is properly inserted. Rotate the
cap until aclickis heard. The warning
message will be removed after the proper
drive cycle is completed. SeeOn Board
Diagnostics OBDII section for drive cycle
explaination. If the warning message remains
on or continues to comes back on, see your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
26Information Displays
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In an emergency, to disable the malfunctioning brake-shift interlock
feature in order to shift the vehicle from P (Park) follow these steps:
1. Apply the parking brake. Turn key to the lock position, and then
remove the key.
2. Disconnect the negative (black) battery cable from the battery.
3. Insert the key and turn to the off position. Shift to N (Neutral).
4. Reconnect the negative (black) battery cable to the battery.
5. Start the vehicle.
See your authorized dealer for service immediately.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck in Mud or Snow
Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
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•Shift to a lower gear when driving down a long or steep hill. Do not
apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become less
effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with a Grade Assist or Tow/Haul
feature, use this feature when towing. This provides engine braking
and helps eliminate excessive transmission shifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached; anticipate
stops and brake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, if you must park on a grade:
1. Turn the steering wheel to point the vehicle tires away from
traffic flow
2. Set the vehicle parking brake
3. Place the automatic transmission in P (Park) or manual
transmission in a high gear
4. Place wheel chocks under in front and back of the trailer wheels.
(Chocks not equipped with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or Personal Water Craft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbeforebacking the trailer into
the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the trailer is removed
from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
1. Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
2. Do not allow waves to break higher than six inches (15 centimeters)
above the bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
1. Causing internal damage to the components.
2. Affecting driveability, emissions, and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the rear axle has been
submerged in water. Water may have contaminated the rear axle
lubricant, which is not normally checked or changed unless a leak is
suspected or other axle repair is required.
58Towing
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Note:Do not use stop leak pellets or cooling system sealants/additives
as they can cause damage to the engine cooling and/or heating systems.
This damage would not be covered under your vehicle’s warranty.
•DO NOT MIX different colors or types of coolant in your vehicle. Make
sure the correct coolant is used. Mixing of engine coolants may harm
your engine’s cooling system. The use of an improper coolant may
harm engine and cooling system components and may void the
warranty.
•In case of emergency, a large amount of water without engine coolant
may be added in order to reach a vehicle service location. In this
instance, the cooling system must be drained, chemically cleaned with
MotorcraftPremium Cooling System Flush, and refilled with a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible.
Water alone (without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from
corrosion, overheating or freezing.
•Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants mixed with
alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant). 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 engine
coolant.
Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure will escape as you unscrew the
cap.
Add a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and engine coolant meeting the
Ford specification. SeeCapacities and Specificationsfor more
information.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and distilled
water to bring the coolant level to the proper level.
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Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company does not recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet available.
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible 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%.
•NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
•A coolant concentration of 60% will provide improved freeze point
protection. Engine coolant concentrations above 60% will decrease the
overheat protection characteristics of the engine coolant and may
cause engine damage.
•If available, refer to the chart on the coolant container to make sure
the coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate freeze
protection at the temperatures in which you drive in the winter
months.
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%.
•A coolant concentration of 40% will provide improved overheat
protection. Engine coolant concentrations below 40% will decrease the
corrosion/freeze protection characteristics of the engine coolant and
may cause engine damage.
•If available, refer to the chart on the coolant container to make sure
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.
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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 and:
The coolant temperature warning light will illuminate.
The service engine soon indicator 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.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer 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 the vehicle in fail-safe mode only as long as necessary to
bring the vehicle to rest in a safe location and seek immediate repairs.
When in fail-safe mode, the 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.
90Maintenance
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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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