cooling FORD F250 2006 User Guide

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.
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.
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.
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 (see
above), 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.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
263

Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant in vehicles originally equipped with Motorcraft Premium Gold
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
toRefill capacitiesin this section. If your vehicle is equipped with a
diesel engine, refer to theRefill capacitiessection of your6.0 Liter
Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel Owner’s Guide
Supplement.
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%.
•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.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
264

•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 message center will indicate
the engine is overheating.
•TheService engine soon
indicator light 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 a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
265

wheels ......................................242
wiper blades ............................244
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............36
Clutch
fluid ..........................................278
operation while driving ..........180
recommended shift speeds ....180
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................71
Console ........................................67
overhead ..............................55–56
Controls
steering column ........................66
Coolant
checking and adding ..............260
refill capacities ................264, 287
specifications ..........................290
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................61
Customer Assistance ................202
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................248
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................238
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............239
Getting roadside assistance ...202
Getting the service you
need .........................................234
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................240
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................238
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................40Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................279
engine oil .................................254
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........290
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................283
Driving under special
conditions ..................179, 192, 196
sand .........................................194
snow and ice ...........................196
through water .................195, 198
E
Electronic message center ...68–69
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................226
Emergency Flashers .................204
Emission control system ..........275
Engine ........................................293
cleaning ...................................242
coolant .....................................260
diesel ...........................................8
fail-safe cooling .......................265
idle speed control ...................258
lubrication specifications .......290
refill capacities ........................287
service points ..................251–252
starting after a collision .........204
Engine block heater .................172
Engine oil ..................................254
checking and adding ..............254
dipstick ....................................254
filter, specifications ........257, 286
recommendations ...................257
refill capacities ........................287
specifications ..........................290
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
306

Exhaust fumes ..........................171
F
Fail safe cooling ........................265
Fluid capacities .........................287
Foglamps .....................................40
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......184
description ..............................189
driving off road .......................191
electronic shift ................185, 189
indicator light .........................186
lever operated shift ................186
manual locking hubs ..............185
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................175
Fuel ............................................266
calculating fuel
economy ............................72, 271
cap ...........................................269
capacity ...................................287
choosing the right fuel ...........270
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................274
detergent in fuel .....................271
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................266, 269, 271
filter, specifications ........266, 286
fuel pump shut-off switch .....204
improving fuel economy ........271
octane rating ...................270, 293
quality ......................................270
running out of fuel .................271
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................266
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......204
Fuses ..................................205–206
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............269Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................271
Gauges .........................................15
transmission fluid
temperature gauge ...................20
H
Hazard flashers .........................204
Head restraints ...........................90
Headlamps ...................................39
aiming ..................................41, 43
autolamp system .......................39
daytime running lights .............40
flash to pass ..............................41
high beam .................................41
replacing bulbs ...................47–50
turning on and off ....................39
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system ...........................33–34, 36
Hood ..........................................250
I
Ignition ...............................167, 293
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................121
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................276
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................244
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................41
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......226
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
307