check engine FORD F250 2014 Owner's Guide

Adding Engine Coolant
WARNINGS
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. 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. 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. Do not add coolant further than the
MAX mark.
Note:
Do not use stop leak pellets, cooling
system sealants, or additives as they can
cause damage to the engine cooling or
heating systems. This damage would not
be covered under your vehicle ’s warranty.
Note: During normal vehicle operation, the
engine coolant may change color from
orange to pink or light red. As long as the
engine coolant is clear and uncontaminated,
this color change does not indicate the
engine coolant has degraded nor does it
require the engine coolant to be drained, the
system to be flushed, or the engine coolant
to be replaced. •
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. Use prediluted
engine coolant meeting the Ford
specification. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 292).
• 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 Motorcraft®
Premium Cooling System Flush, and
refilled with engine coolant 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 prediluted engine coolant meeting the
Ford specification. See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 292).
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
prediluted engine coolant to bring the
coolant level to the proper level.
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Super Duty (TFA) Maintenance

When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated
WARNINGS
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. Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap while the engine is running or hot.
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.
5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Note: 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. Engine Fluid Temperature
Management (If Equipped) WARNING
To reduce the risk of collision and
injury, be prepared that the vehicle
speed may reduce and the vehicle
may not be able to accelerate with full
power until the fluid temperatures reduce. Your vehicle has been designed to pull a
trailer, but because of the added load, the
vehicle
’s engine may temporarily reach
higher temperatures during severe
operating conditions such as ascending a
long or steep grade while pulling a trailer
in hot ambient temperatures.
At this time, you may notice your engine
coolant temperature gauge needle move
toward the H and the POWER REDUCED
TO LOWER TEMP message may appear
in the information display.
You may notice a reduction in the vehicle ’s
speed caused by reduced engine power.
Your vehicle has been designed to enter
this mode if certain high temperature/high
load conditions take place in order to
manage the engine ’s fluid temperatures.
The amount of speed reduction will
depend on the vehicle loading, towing,
grade, ambient temperature, and other
factors. If this occurs, there is no need to
pull off the road. The vehicle can continue
to be driven while this message is active
The air conditioning may also cycle on and
off during severe operating conditions to
protect overheating of the engine. When
the engine coolant temperature decreases
to a more normal operating temperature,
the air conditioning will turn on once again.
If you notice any of the following:
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•
the engine coolant temperature gauge
moves fully into the red (hot) area
• the coolant temperature warning light
illuminates
• the service engine soon indicator
illuminates. WARNING
Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap while the engine is running or hot.
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely
possible and place the vehicle in P
(Park).
2. Leave the engine running until the coolant temperature gauge needle
moves away from the H range. After
several minutes, if this does not
happen, follow the remaining steps.
3. Turn the engine off and wait for it to cool before checking the coolant level.
4. If the coolant level is normal, you may restart your engine and continue on.
5. If the coolant is low, add coolant, restart the engine and take your vehicle
to an authorized dealer. See Adding
engine coolant in this chapter for more
information. Refer to fail-safe cooling
for additional information.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
Have an authorized dealer check and
change the transmission fluid and filter at
the correct service interval. See
Scheduled Maintenance (page 430).
Do not use supplemental transmission
fluid additives, treatments or cleaning
agents. The use of these materials may
affect transmission operation and result
in damage to internal transmission
components. Checking Automatic Transmission
Fluid (If Equipped)
For scheduled intervals of the fluid checks
and changes, See
Scheduled
Maintenance (page 430). Your
transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked
if the transmission is not working properly,
i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly
or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands
when warmed. To obtain an accurate fluid
check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal
operating temperature (approximately
19 mi (30 km)
). Verify that the
transmission fluid temperature gauge,
located on the instrument cluster, is within
normal range.
1. Drive the vehicle
19 mi (30 km)until it
reaches normal operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
engage the parking brake.
3. With the engine running, parking brake
engaged and your foot on the brake
pedal, move the gearshift lever through
all of the gear ranges. Allow sufficient
time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P and leave
the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer to the Under Hood
Overview in this chapter for the
location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully
seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in the
designated area for normal operating
temperature or ambient temperature.
Low Fluid Level
Type A
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TRANSFER CASE FLUID
CHECK
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and inspect the
fluid level.
3. Add only enough fluid through the filler
opening so that the fluid level is at the
bottom of the opening.
Use only fluid that meets Ford
specifications. Refer to the See
Capacities and Specifications (page
292). section. BRAKE FLUID CHECK
Fluid levels between the
MIN and MAX
lines are within the normal operating range;
there is no need to add fluid. If the fluid
levels are outside of the normal operating
range, the performance of the system
could be compromised; seek service from
your authorized dealer immediately.
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
Check the power steering fluid. See
Scheduled Maintenance
(page 430). If
adding fluid is necessary, use only
MERCON LV ATF
Note: This procedure is for vehicles with
gasoline engines. Vehicles with diesel
engines are similar. See Under Hood
Overview in your diesel supplement.
Check the fluid level when it is at ambient
temperature.
1. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN and MAX
range. Do not add fluid if the level is
within this range.
2. If the fluid level is low, add fluid to bring
the fluid level up to between the MIN
and MAX range.
3. Switch the engine on.
4. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel left and right several times.
5. Switch the engine off.
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VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER
The vehicle identification number is
located on the left-hand side of the
instrument panel.
Please note that in the graphic, XXXX is
representative of your vehicle identification
number.
The Vehicle Identification Number contains
the following information:
World manufacturer identifier
A
Brake system, Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating, Restraint Devices
and their locations
B Make, vehicle line, series, body
type
C
Engine type
D
Check digit
E
Model year
F
Assembly plant
G
Production sequence number
H
VEHICLE CERTIFICATION
LABEL 294
Super Duty (TFA) Capacities and SpecificationsE142476 E142477 E167469

1
Add 8 oz. (236 ml) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent meeting Ford
Specification EST-M2C118– A for complete refill of limited slip Ford axles. Ford design
rear axles contain a synthetic lubricant that does not require changing unless you submerge
the axle in water.
2 Ford recommends using Motorcraft (Ford) DOT 3 LV High Performance Motor Vehicle
Brake Fluid, Motorcraft (Ford) DOT 4 LV High Performance Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid or
equivalent meeting WSS-M6C65-A1 or WSS-M6C65-A2. Use of any fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause degraded brake performance and not meet the Ford
performance standards. Keep brake fluid clean and dry. Contamination with dirt, water,
petroleum products or other materials may result in brake system damage and possible
failure.
3 Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
4 Ford has designed your engine to use Motorcraft engine oils or equivalent oils that meet
Ford ’s specification. It is also acceptable to use an engine oil of recommended viscosity
grade that meets API SN requirements and displays the API Certification Mark for gasoline
engines.
5 Do not use oils labeled as API SN unless the label also display the API certification mark.
These oils do not meet the requirements of your vehicles engine and emissions system.
6 Do not use supplemental engine oil additives. They are unnecessary and could lead to
engine damage not covered by your Ford warranty.
7 Use the correct automatic transmission fluid. Transmission fluid requirements are
indicated on the dipstick blade or the dipstick handle. Check the container to verify the
fluid you are adding is of the correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance information
to determine the correct service interval.
Note: Automatic transmissions that require MERCON LV should only use MERCON LV fluid.
Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
8 Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary based on cooler
size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. You should set the amount of transmission
fluid and fluid level by the indication on the dipstick’ s normal operating range.
9 Fill to the proper capacity according to dipstick Type A. For correct dipstick type, See
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check (page 231).
9 Fill to the proper capacity according to dipstick Type B. For correct dipstick type, See
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check
(page 231).
10 See the Warning below: WARNING
The air conditioning refrigerant system contains refrigerant R-134a under high
pressure. Opening the air conditioning refrigerant system can cause personal injury.
Have the air conditioning refrigerant system serviced only by qualified personnel.
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Super Duty (TFA) Capacities and Specifications

Ford Motor Company has recommended
maintenance intervals for various parts
and component systems based upon
engineering testing. Ford Motor Company
relies upon this testing to determine the
most appropriate mileage for replacement
of oils and fluids to protect your vehicle at
the lowest overall cost to you and
recommends against maintenance
schedules that deviate from the scheduled
maintenance information.
We strongly recommend the use of only
genuine Ford, Motorcraft or
Ford-authorized re-manufactured
replacement parts engineered for your
vehicle.
Additives and Chemicals
This owner's manual and the Ford
Workshop Manual list the recommended
additives and chemicals for your vehicle.
We do not recommend using chemicals or
additives not approved by us as part of
your vehicle
’s normal maintenance. Please
consult your warranty information. 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, a qualified expert, such
as the factory-trained technicians at your
dealership, should inspect discolored fluids
that also show signs of overheating or
foreign material contamination
immediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle
’s oils and
fluids 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
Make sure you perform the following basic
maintenance checks and inspections every
month 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.
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Super Duty (TFA) Scheduled Maintenance

Check every six months
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 and safety belt) for operation.
Washer spray and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as necessary.
Multi-point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right,
it is important to have the systems on your
vehicle checked regularly. This can help
identify potential issues and prevent major
problems. We recommend having the
following multi-point inspection performed
at every scheduled maintenance interval
to help make sure your vehicle keeps
running great. Multi-point inspection
Horn operation
Accessory drive belt(s)
Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Battery performance
Suspension component for leaks ordamage
Engine air filter
Steering and linkage
Exhaust system
Tires (including spare) for wear and properpressure**
Exterior lamps and hazard warning system
operation
Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
Fluid levels *
; fill if necessary
Washer spray and wiper operation
For oil and fluid leaks
* Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, automatic transmission, power steering and window
washer.
** If your vehicle is equipped with a temporary mobility kit, check the tire sealant expiration
Use By date on the canister. Replace as needed.
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Super Duty (TFA) Scheduled Maintenance

Be sure to ask your dealership service
advisor or technician about the multi-point
vehicle inspection. It is a comprehensive
way to perform a thorough inspection of
your vehicle. Your checklist gives you
immediate feedback on the overall
condition of your vehicle.
NORMAL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
6.2L and 6.8L Gasoline Engines Every 7500 miles (12000 km) or six months (whichever comes first)
Change engine oil and filter.
Rotate tires *
, inspect tire wear and measure tread depth.
Inspect wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Perform multi-point inspection (recommended).
* Vehicles with dual rear wheels should rotate the front wheels when specified; rear wheels
only if unusual wear is noted. Every 15000 miles (24000 km) or 12 months (whichever comes first)
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level. Consult dealer for requirements.
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses and parking brake.
Inspect engine cooling system strength and hoses.
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields.
Inspect front axle and U-joints. Lubricate if equipped with grease fittings (Four-wheel
drive vehicles).
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tie-rod ends, driveshaft and U-joints.
Lubricate if equipped with grease fittings. Other maintenance items
Replace climate-controlled (heated and cooled) seat
filter. *
Every 30000 miles (48000
km)
Replace engine air filter.
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter on 5-speed
transmission. Consult dealer for requirements.
Every 60000 miles (96000
km)
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Super Duty (TFA) Scheduled Maintenance

Off-road operation
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal
noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Rotate tires *
, inspect tires for wear and measure tread
depth.
Replace front wheel bearing grease and grease seals if
non-sealed bearings are used.
Every 30000 miles (48000
km)
Change rear axle fluid (F-450 and F-550 only).
Every 50000 miles (80000
km)
Change transfer case fluid (Four-wheel drive vehicles).
Every 60000 miles (96000
km)
* Vehicles with dual rear wheels should rotate the front wheels when specified; rear wheels
only if unusual wear is noted. Exclusive use of E85 (Flex fuel vehicles only)
If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full with regular
unleaded fuel.
Every oil change interval
6.7L Diesel Engine
See the diesel supplement for special
operating condition information.
Exceptions
There are several exceptions to the Normal
Schedule:
Normal vehicle axle maintenance: Rear
axles and power take-off units with
synthetic fluid and light-duty trucks
equipped with Ford-design axles are
lubricated for life; do not check or change
fluid unless a leak is suspected, service is
required or the assembly has been
submerged in water. During long periods
of trailer towing with outside temperatures
above 70°F (21°C) and at wide-open
throttle for long periods above 45 mph (72
km/h), change non-synthetic rear axle fluid
every 3000 miles (4800 kilometers) or three months, whichever comes first. This
interval can be waived if the axle is filled
with 75W140 synthetic gear fluid meeting
Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A, part
number F1TZ-19580-B, or equivalent. Add
friction modifier XL-3 (EST-M2C118-A) or
equivalent for complete refill of
Traction-Lok rear axles. See Capacities
and Specifications (page 292).
Police, Taxi and Livery vehicle axle
maintenance: Change rear axle fluid every
100000 miles (160000 kilometers). Rear
axle fluid change may be waived if the axle
was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear fluid
meeting Ford specification
WSL-M2C192-A, part number
F1TZ-19580-B, or equivalent. Add four
ounces (118 milliliters) of additive friction
modifier XL-3 (EST-M2C118-A), or
equivalent, for complete refill of
Traction-Lok rear axles. Change the axle
fluid anytime the axle submerges in water.
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Super Duty (TFA) Scheduled Maintenance