cooling FORD F250 2010 User Guide

and virgin coolant together in the vehicle. 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. 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.
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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, 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.
If your vehicle is equipped with a diesel engine,refer to the
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiessection of your6.0
and 6.4 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel Owner’s
Guide Supplement.
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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/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.
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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.
•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 a service facility 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 a service facility.
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. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to a service facility.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to a
service facility as soon as possible.
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plastic parts ............................348
safety belts ..............................351
washing ....................................345
waxing .....................................346
wheels ......................................346
wiper blades ............................348
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ....98, 102
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................53
AM/FM/CD .................................46
Clutch
fluid ..........................................384
operation while driving ..........278
recommended shift speeds ....278
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................36
Console ......................................122
overhead ..........................121–122
Controls
power seat ...............................167
steering column ......................134
Coolant
checking and adding ..............365
refill capacities ................368, 391
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ......................................131
Customer Assistance ................303
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................353
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................400
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................342
Getting roadside assistance ...303
Getting the service you
need .........................................338
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................343Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................341
D
Daytime running lamps (see
Lamps) .......................................108
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................384
engine oil .................................360
Driving under special
conditions ..................277, 293, 297
sand .........................................295
snow and ice ...........................297
through water .................296, 299
DVD system .................................67
E
Electronic message center ...24, 32
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................331
Emergency Flashers .................304
Emission control system ..........379
Engine ........................................395
cleaning ...................................347
coolant .....................................365
diesel ...........................................7
fail-safe cooling .......................369
idle speed control ...................363
refill capacities ........................391
service points ..................357–358
starting after a collision .........305
Engine oil ..................................360
checking and adding ..............360
dipstick ....................................360
filter, specifications ........362, 390
recommendations ...................362
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refill capacities ........................391
Event data recording ....................8
Exhaust fumes ..........................267
F
Fail safe cooling ........................369
Family entertainment system ....67
Fluid capacities .........................391
Fog lamps ..................................107
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......284
description ..............................290
driving off road .......................292
electronic shift ................285, 290
indicator light .........................286
lever operated shift ................286
manual locking hubs ..............284
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................273
Fuel ............................................371
calculating fuel
economy ......................26, 34, 376
cap ...........................................373
capacity ...................................391
choosing the right fuel ...........374
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................379
detergent in fuel .....................375
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................371, 373, 376
filter, specifications ........371, 390
fuel pump shut-off switch .....305
improving fuel economy ........376
octane rating ...................375, 395
quality ......................................375
running out of fuel .................375
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................371
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......305
Fuses ..................................306–307G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............373
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................376
Gauges .........................................20
transmission fluid
temperature gauge ...................24
H
Hazard flashers .........................304
Head restraints .................164, 170
Headlamps .................................107
aiming ..............................109, 111
autolamp system .....................107
daytime running lights ...........108
flash to pass ............................108
high beam ...............................108
replacing bulbs ...............115–117
turning on and off ..................107
Heating
heater only system ...................98
heating and air conditioning
system ...............................99, 102
Homelink wireless control
system ........................................139
Hood ..........................................356
I
Ignition ...............................264, 395
Illuminated visor mirror ...........121
Infant seats (see Safety
seats) .........................................199
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................381
Index
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USA(fus)