engine coolant FORD F150 2010 12.G User Guide

When the engine is cold, check the
level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
•The engine coolant should be at the FULL COLD level or within the
COLD FILL RANGE as listed on the engine coolant reservoir
(depending upon application).
•Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor service interval
schedules.
•Be sure to read and understandPrecautions when servicing your
vehiclein this chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer toAdding
engine coolantin this chapter.
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
When adding coolant, make sure it is a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and distilled water. Add the mixture to the coolant reservoir,when the
engine is cool,until the appropriate fill level is obtained.
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.
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•Do not mix coolants. Add the coolant type originally equipped
in your vehicle.Refer toMaintenance product specifications and
capacitiesin this chapter.
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.
•A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case
of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained 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.
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
water to the FULL COLD level. For all other vehicles which have a
coolant degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to
remove the coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with
an overflow system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
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.
Add the proper mixture of coolant and water to the cooling system by
following these steps:
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (a translucent plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
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4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture, to
within the COLD FILL RANGE or the FULL COLD level on the reservoir.
If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill the radiator
until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration (refer
toChecking engine coolant). If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to –34°F/–36°C), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.
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 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 quart (1.0 liter) of engine coolant per
month, have your authorized dealer check the engine cooling system.
Your cooling system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low
level of coolant can result in engine overheating and possible engine
damage.
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.
Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate
manner. Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling
and disposing of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
toMaintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined inAdding engine coolant
in this section.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than –34°F [–36°C]):
•It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
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•NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
•Increased engine coolant concentrations above 60% will
decrease the overheat 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
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%.
•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 equipped)
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 mini message center (if equipped) will indicate “Check Gauges”,
refer toWarning lights and chimesin theInstrument Cluster
chapter.
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•Thelight 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:
•The engine will completely shut down.
•Steering and braking effort will 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
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
5. Restart the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuel filter that is integrated with
the fuel tank. Regular maintenance or replacement is not needed.
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The OBD-II system is designed to check the emission control system
during normal driving. A complete check may take several days. If the
vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, the following driving cycle consisting
of mixed city and highway driving may be performed:
15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway/highway followed by
20 minutes of stop-and-go driving with at least four 30-second idle
periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete. If
the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above driving cycle will
have to be repeated.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer toscheduled maintenance
information.
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 in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir. Refer toMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter for the proper
fluid type.
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MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
Item CapacityFord part name or
equivalentFord part number /
Ford specification
Brake fluidBetween
MIN/MAX on
brake fluid
reservoirMotorcraft
High
Performance DOT 3
Motor Vehicle Brake
FluidPM-1-C /
WSS-M6C62-A or
WSS-M6C65-A1
4.6L engine oil 6.0 quarts (5.7L)•Motorcraft
SAE 5W-20
Premium Synthetic
Blend Motor Oil (US)
•Motorcraft
SAE 5W-20
Full Synthetic Motor Oil
(US)
•Motorcraft
SAE 5W-20
Super Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)
•Motorcraft
SAE 5W-20
Synthetic Motor Oil
(Canada)
1
•XO-5W20–QSP (US)
•XO-5W-20 QFS (US)
•CXO-5W20–LSP12
(Canada)
•CXO-5W-20-LFS12
(Canada) /
WSS-M2C930–A and API
Certification Mark 5.4L engine oil 7.0 quarts (6.6L)
4.6L 2V engine coolant16.4 quarts
(15.5L)
Motorcraft
Premium
Gold Engine Coolant
with bittering agent
(yellow-colored)
2
VC-7–B /
WSS-M97B51–A1 4.6L 3V engine coolant15.8 quarts
(15.0L)
5.4L engine coolant16.9 quarts
(16.0L)
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Item CapacityFord part name or
equivalentFord part number /
Ford specification
Fuel tank
Reg. Cab 8’ box /
SuperCab 6.5’ box /
SuperCab 8’ box26.0 gallons
(98.4L) Standard
36.0 gallons
(136.2L) Optional——
1Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.2Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.3Service refill capacity is determined by filling the axle to 1/4-9/16 inch (6-14 mm) below the
bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a level surface.
Add 4 oz. (118 ml) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent meeting Ford specification
EST-M2C118-A, for complete fill of 8.8 inch and 9.75 inch Traction-Lok axles.4Your vehicle’s rear axle is filled with a synthetic rear axle lubricant and is considered lubricated
for life. These lubricants do not need to be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service
is required or the axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle lubricant should be
changed any time the rear axle has been submerged in water.5Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transfer case to the bottom of the filler hole
with the vehicle on a level surface.6Approximate dry fill capacity including transmission fluid cooling system, actual refill capacities
will vary based on vehicle application and transmission fluid cooling system (i.e. coolers size,
cooling lines, auxiliary cooler capacities). The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should
be set by the indication on the dipstick’s normal operating range.7Automatic transmissions that require MERCON
LV should only use MERCON
LV fluid. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid
other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
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A
Accessory delay ..........................93
AdvanceTrac ..............................279
Air cleaner filter .......396–397, 399
Air conditioning ........59, 62, 64, 67
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................59
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................185–186, 193, 196
and child safety seats ............187
description ..............186, 193, 196
disposal ....................................199
driver airbag ....186, 188, 194, 197
indicator light .........192, 195, 198
operation .........186, 188, 194, 197
passenger
airbag ...............186, 188, 194, 197
side airbag ...............................193
Ambient mood/lighting ...............78
Ambulance packages ....................6
AM/FM .........................................42
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................373
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................277–278
Anti-theft system ......................138
arming the system ..................139
Armrests ....................................151
Audio system (see Radio) ...40, 42
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................291, 293
fluid, adding ....................393, 395
fluid, checking ................393, 395
fluid, refill capacities ..............400
fluid, specification ..................400
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....50Axle
lubricant specifications ..........400
refill capacities ........................400
B
Battery .......................................371
acid, treating emergencies .....371
jumping a disabled battery ....338
maintenance-free ....................371
replacement, specifications ...399
servicing ..................................371
Bed extender ............................117
Belt-Minder
.............................180
deactivating/activating the
Belt-Minder
...........................183
Booster seats .............................219
Brakes ........................................277
anti-lock ...........................277–278
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................278
fluid, checking and adding ....393
fluid, refill capacities ..............400
fluid, specifications .................400
lubricant specifications ..........400
parking ....................................278
shift interlock ..................287, 289
trailer .......................................263
Bulbs ............................................78
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....400
Car2U
Home Automation
System .......................................108
Cargo management system ......120
CD ................................................42
Cell phone use ..............................8
Changing a tire .........................330
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Child safety seats ......................204
attaching with tether straps ..214
in front seat ....................205, 211
in rear seat ......................205, 211
LATCH .....................................212
recommendations ...................202
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................219
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............355
instrument panel ............357–358
interior .....................................359
plastic parts ............................356
safety belts ..............................359
washing ....................................353
waxing .....................................354
wheels ......................................354
wiper blades ............................356
Climate control
(see Air conditioning or
Heating) .....................59, 62, 64, 67
Clock adjust
AM/FM .......................................43
AM/FM Stereo ...........................42
Compass, electronic ....................88
calibration .................................89
set zone adjustment .................89
Console ........................................88
Controls
power seat ...............................153
steering column ......................101
Coolant
checking and adding ..............373
refill capacities ................376, 400
specifications ..........................400
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................98
Customer Assistance ................319Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................410
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................350
Getting roadside assistance ...319
Getting the service you
need .........................................346
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................351
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................350
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................74
Defrost
rear window and rearview
mirrors ...........................62, 64, 67
windshield .....................62, 64, 67
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..................................393, 395
engine oil .................................368
Driving under special
conditions ..................296, 309, 312
sand .........................................311
snow and ice ...........................313
through water .................311, 314
E
Electronic message center ...22, 30
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................338
running out of fuel .........338, 385
Emission control system ..........389
Engine ................................404–405
cleaning ...................................355
Index
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