overheating FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS 2014 12.G Owners Manual

Yellow area
The transmission fluid is higher thannormal operating temperature. This canbe caused by special operation conditions(i.e. snowplowing, towing or off-road use).Operating the transmission for extendedperiods of time with the gauge in theyellow area may cause internaltransmission damage. Altering the severityof the driving conditions is recommendedto lower the transmission temperature intothe normal range.
Red area
The transmission fluid is overheating. Stopthe vehicle to allow the temperature toreturn to normal range.
If the gauge is operating in the yellow orred area, stop the vehicle and verify theairflow is not restricted such as snow ordebris blocking airflow through the grill. Ifthe gauge continues to show hightemperatures, see your authorized dealer.
Engine Coolant TemperatureGauge
WARNING
Never remove the coolant reservoircap while the engine is running or hot.
At normal operating temperature, theneedle will remain in the center section.
Note:Do not restart the engine until thecause of overheating has been resolved.
If the needle enters the red section, theengine is overheating. Stop the engine,switch the ignition off and determine thecause once the engine has cooled down.
Fuel Gauge
Switch the ignition on. The fuel gauge willindicate approximately how much fuel isleft in the fuel tank. The fuel gauge mayvary slightly when your vehicle is movingor on a gradient. The arrow adjacent to thefuel pump symbol indicates on which sideof the vehicle the fuel filler door is located.
WARNING LAMPS AND
INDICATORS
The following warning lamps andindicators will alert you to a vehiclecondition that may become serious. Somelamps will illuminate when you start yourvehicle to make sure they work. If anylamps remain on after starting your vehicle,refer to the respective system warninglamp for further information.
Note:Some warning indicators appear inthe information display and function thesame as a warning lamp but do not displaywhen you start your vehicle.
Anti-Lock Braking System
If it illuminates when you aredriving, this indicates amalfunction. You will continueto have the normal braking system(without ABS) unless the brake systemwarning lamp is also illuminated. Have thesystem checked by your authorized dealer.
Battery
If it illuminates while driving, itindicates a malfunction. Switchoff all unnecessary electricalequipment and have the system checkedby your authorized dealer immediately.
13Motorhome (TY3) , enUSAInstrument Cluster

Engine
ActionMessage
The engine is overheating. Stop your vehicle as soonas safely possible, turn off the engine. If the warningstays on followed by an indicator chime or continuesto come on, contact an authorized dealer as soon aspossible. Never remove the coolant reservoir cap whilethe engine is running or hot.
REDUCED ENGINE POWER
The engine is overheating. Stop your vehicle as soonas safely possible, turn off the engine. If the warningstays on followed by an indicator chime or continuesto come on, contact an authorized dealer as soon aspossible.
STOP ENGINE SAFELY
The engine coolant is overheating. Stop your vehicleas soon as safely possible, turn off the engine and letit cool. Check the coolant and coolant level. If thewarning stays on or continues to come on, contact anauthorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK ENGINE TEMPERATURE
A early reminder of a low fuel condition.FUEL LEVEL LOW
Maintenance
ActionMessage
The engine oil pressure is low. Check the level of theengine oil. If the oil level is OK and this warning persists,shut down the engine immediately and contact anauthorized dealer as soon as possible. See Engine OilCheck (page 75).
LOW OIL PRESSURE
The brake fluid level is low and the brake systemshould be inspected immediately. See Brake FluidCheck (page 80).
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW
The fuel cap is loose, not seated properly or off. Stopyour vehicle when convenient, turn off the engine andcheck that you inserted the fuel cap is properly. Rotatethe cap until you hear a click. The warning messageswitch off after a proper drive cycle is completed. SeeEmission Control System (page 26). If the warningmessage remains on or continues to comes back on,see an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK FUEL CAP
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Transmission
ActionMessage
The transmission fluid is overheating. This warningmay appear when towing heavy loads or when drivingin a low gear at a high speed for an extended periodof time. Stop your vehicle as soon as safely possible,turn off the engine and let the transmission cool.
CHECK TRANS TEMPERATURE
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•Do not mix different colors or types ofcoolant in your vehicle. Make sure thecorrect coolant is used. Mixing ofengine coolants may harm the engine’scooling system. The use of an impropercoolant may harm the engine andcooling system components and mayvoid the warranty. Use predilutedengine coolant meeting the Fordspecification. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 111).
•In case of emergency, you can add alarge amount of water without enginecoolant in order to reach a vehicleservice location. In this instance, youmust have the cooling system drained,chemically cleaned with MotorcraftPremium Cooling System Flush, andrefilled with engine coolant as soon aspossible. Water alone (without enginecoolant) can cause engine damagefrom corrosion, overheating or freezing.
•Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine orany engine coolants mixed with alcoholor methanol antifreeze (coolant).Alcohol and other liquids can causeengine damage from overheating orfreezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors or additivesto the coolant. These can be harmfuland compromise the corrosionprotection of the engine coolant.
Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure willescape as you unscrew the cap.
Add prediluted engine coolant meeting theFord specification. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 111).
Whenever you add coolant, check thecoolant level in the coolant reservoir thenext few times you drive the vehicle. Ifnecessary, add enough prediluted enginecoolant to bring the coolant level to theproper level.
Recycled Engine Coolant
Ford Motor Company does not recommendthe use of recycled engine coolant since aFord-approved recycling process is not yetavailable.
Used engine coolant should be disposedof in an appropriate manner. Follow yourcommunity’s regulations and standardsfor recycling and disposing of automotivefluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•It may be necessary to have a Fordauthorized dealer increase the coolantconcentration above 50%.
•A coolant concentration of 60% willprovide improved freeze pointprotection. Engine coolantconcentrations above 60% willdecrease the overheat protectioncharacteristics of the engine coolantand may cause engine damage
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It may be necessary to have a Fordauthorized dealer decrease the coolantconcentration to 40%.
•A coolant concentration of 40% willprovide improved overheat protection.Engine coolant concentrations below40% will decrease the freeze andcorrosion protection characteristics ofthe engine coolant and may causeengine damage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extremeclimates should use prediluted enginecoolant for optimum cooling system andengine protection.
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The transmission fluid should be in thisrange if at normal operating temperature(150°F-170°F [66°C-77°C]).
The transmission fluid should be checkedat normal operating temperature150°F-170°F (66°C-77°C) on a levelsurface. The normal operating temperaturecan be reached after approximately 20miles (30 km) of driving. You can checkthe fluid without driving if the ambienttemperature is above 50°F (10°C).However, if fluid is added at this time, anoverfill condition could result when thevehicle reaches normal operatingtemperature
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range mayresult in transmission failure. An overfillcondition of transmission fluid may causeshift and/or engagement concerns and/orpossible damage. High fluid levels can becaused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmissionfluid levels
Note:Use of a non-approved automatictransmission fluid may cause internaltransmission damage. Before adding anyfluid, make sure the correct type is used. Thetype of fluid used is normally indicated onthe transmission dipstick and also in theSee Capacities and Specifications (page111).
Add fluid in ½ pint (250 ml) incrementsthrough the filler tube until the level iscorrect.
Note:If an overfill occurs, excess fluidshould be removed by an authorized dealer.An overfill condition of transmission fluidmay cause shift and/or engagementconcerns and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmissionfluid additives, treatments or cleaningagents. The use of these materials mayaffect transmission operation and resultin damage to internal transmissioncomponents.
Automatic transmission fluid filter
The TorqShift™ automatic transmissionis equipped with a serviceable transmissionfluid filter located inside the transmissionbottom pan. Refer to the scheduledmaintenance information for serviceintervals for the automatic transmissionfluid and transmission filter. Fortransmission filter maintenance, see yourauthorized dealer.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
Fluid levels between the MIN and MAXlines are within the normal operating range;there is no need to add fluid. If the fluidlevels are outside of the normal operatingrange, the performance of the systemcould be compromised; seek service fromyour authorized dealer immediately.
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Ford Motor Company has recommendedmaintenance intervals for various partsand component systems based uponengineering testing. Ford Motor Companyrelies upon this testing to determine themost appropriate mileage for replacementof oils and fluids to protect your vehicle atthe lowest overall cost to you andrecommends against maintenanceschedules that deviate from the scheduledmaintenance information.
We strongly recommend the use of onlygenuine Ford, Motorcraft orFord-authorized re-manufacturedreplacement parts engineered for yourvehicle.
Additives and Chemicals
This owner's manual and the FordWorkshop Manual list the recommendedadditives and chemicals for your vehicle.We do not recommend using chemicals oradditives not approved by us as part ofyour vehicle’s normal maintenance. Pleaseconsult your warranty information.
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is anormal operating characteristic and, byitself, does not necessarily indicate aconcern or that the fluid needs to bechanged. However, a qualified expert, suchas the factory-trained technicians at yourdealership, should inspect discolored fluidsthat also show signs of overheating orforeign material contaminationimmediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle’s oils andfluids at the specified intervals or inconjunction with a repair. Flushing is aviable way to change fluid for many vehiclesub-systems during scheduledmaintenance. It is critical that systems areflushed only with new fluid that is the sameas that required to fill and operate thesystem or using a Ford-approved flushingchemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Make sure you perform the following basicmaintenance checks and inspections everymonth or at six-month 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.
122Motorhome (TY3) , enUSAScheduled Maintenance