check engine FORD F250 SUPER DUTY 2014 Owner's Guide

Adding Engine Coolant
WARNINGS
Do not add engine coolant when theengine is hot. Steam and scaldingliquids released from a hot coolingsystem can burn you badly. Also, you canbe burned if you spill coolant on hot engineparts.
Do not put engine coolant in thewindshield washer fluid container. Ifsprayed on the windshield, enginecoolant could make it difficult to seethrough the windshield.
To reduce the risk of personal injury,make sure the engine is cool beforeunscrewing the coolant pressurerelief cap. The cooling system is underpressure; steam and hot liquid can comeout forcefully when the cap is loosenedslightly.
Do not add coolant further than theMAX mark.
Note:Do not use stop leak pellets, coolingsystem sealants, or additives as they cancause damage to the engine cooling orheating systems. This damage would notbe covered under your vehicle’s warranty.
Note:During normal vehicle operation, theengine coolant may change color fromorange to pink or light red. As long as theengine coolant is clear and uncontaminated,this color change does not indicate theengine coolant has degraded nor does itrequire the engine coolant to be drained, thesystem to be flushed, or the engine coolantto be replaced.
•Do not mix different colors or types ofcoolant in your vehicle. Make sure thecorrect coolant is used. Mixing ofengine coolants may harm yourengine’s cooling system. The use of animproper coolant may harm engine andcooling system components and mayvoid the warranty. Use predilutedengine coolant meeting the Fordspecification. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 292).
•In case of emergency, a large amountof water without engine coolant maybe added in order to reach a vehicleservice location. In this instance, thecooling system must be drained,chemically cleaned with Motorcraft®Premium 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 292).
Whenever coolant has been added, thecoolant level in the coolant reservoirshould be checked the next few times youdrive the vehicle. If necessary, add enoughprediluted engine coolant to bring thecoolant level to the proper level.
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When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated
WARNINGS
Fail-safe mode is for use duringemergencies only. Operate thevehicle in fail-safe mode only as longas necessary to bring the vehicle to rest ina safe location and seek immediate repairs.When in fail-safe mode, the vehicle willhave limited power, will not be able tomaintain high-speed operation, and maycompletely shut down without warning,potentially losing engine power, powersteering assist, and power brake assist,which may increase the possibility of acrash resulting in serious injury.
Never remove the coolant reservoircap while the engine is running or hot.
You have limited engine power when in thefail-safe mode, so drive the vehicle withcaution. The vehicle will not be able tomaintain high-speed operation and theengine will run rough. Remember that theengine is capable of completely shuttingdown automatically to prevent enginedamage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safelypossible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken toan authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a shortperiod for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenishif low.
5. Re-start the engine and take yourvehicle to an authorized dealer.
Note:Driving the vehicle without repairingthe engine problem increases the chance ofengine damage. Take your vehicle to anauthorized dealer as soon as possible.
Engine Fluid TemperatureManagement (If Equipped)
WARNING
To reduce the risk of collision andinjury, be prepared that the vehiclespeed may reduce and the vehiclemay not be able to accelerate with fullpower until the fluid temperatures reduce.
Your vehicle has been designed to pull atrailer, but because of the added load, thevehicle’s engine may temporarily reachhigher temperatures during severeoperating conditions such as ascending along or steep grade while pulling a trailerin hot ambient temperatures.
At this time, you may notice your enginecoolant temperature gauge needle movetoward the H and the POWER REDUCEDTO LOWER TEMP message may appearin the information display.
You may notice a reduction in the vehicle’sspeed caused by reduced engine power.Your vehicle has been designed to enterthis mode if certain high temperature/highload conditions take place in order tomanage the engine’s fluid temperatures.The amount of speed reduction willdepend on the vehicle loading, towing,grade, ambient temperature, and otherfactors. If this occurs, there is no need topull off the road. The vehicle can continueto be driven while this message is active
The air conditioning may also cycle on andoff during severe operating conditions toprotect overheating of the engine. Whenthe engine coolant temperature decreasesto 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 gaugemoves fully into the red (hot) area
•the coolant temperature warning lightilluminates
•the service engine soon indicatorilluminates.
WARNING
Never remove the coolant reservoircap while the engine is running or hot.
1. Pull off the road as soon as safelypossible and place the vehicle in P(Park).
2. Leave the engine running until thecoolant temperature gauge needlemoves away from the H range. Afterseveral minutes, if this does nothappen, follow the remaining steps.
3. Turn the engine off and wait for it tocool before checking the coolant level.
4. If the coolant level is normal, you mayrestart your engine and continue on.
5. If the coolant is low, add coolant,restart the engine and take your vehicleto an authorized dealer. See Addingengine coolant in this chapter for moreinformation. Refer to fail-safe coolingfor additional information.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
Have an authorized dealer check andchange the transmission fluid and filter atthe correct service interval. SeeScheduled Maintenance (page 430).
Do not use supplemental transmissionfluid additives, treatments or cleaningagents. The use of these materials mayaffect transmission operation and resultin damage to internal transmissioncomponents.
Checking Automatic TransmissionFluid (If Equipped)
For scheduled intervals of the fluid checksand changes, See ScheduledMaintenance (page 430). Yourtransmission does not consume fluid.However, the fluid level should be checkedif the transmission is not working properly,i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowlyor if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expandswhen warmed. To obtain an accurate fluidcheck, drive the vehicle until it is at normaloperating temperature (approximately19 mi (30 km)). Verify that thetransmission fluid temperature gauge,located on the instrument cluster, is withinnormal range.
1. Drive the vehicle 19 mi (30 km)until itreaches normal operating temperature.
2.Park the vehicle on a level surface andengage the parking brake.
3.With the engine running, parking brakeengaged and your foot on the brakepedal, move the gearshift lever throughall of the gear ranges. Allow sufficienttime for each gear to engage.
4.Latch the gearshift lever in P and leavethe engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it cleanwith a clean, dry lint free rag. Ifnecessary, refer to the Under HoodOverview in this chapter for thelocation of the dipstick.
6.Install the dipstick making sure it is fullyseated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect thefluid level. The fluid should be in thedesignated area for normal operatingtemperature 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 thefluid level.
3.Add only enough fluid through the filleropening so that the fluid level is at thebottom of the opening.
Use only fluid that meets Fordspecifications. Refer to the SeeCapacities and Specifications (page292). section.
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.
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
Check the power steering fluid. SeeScheduled Maintenance (page 430). Ifadding fluid is necessary, use onlyMERCON LV ATF
Note:This procedure is for vehicles withgasoline engines. Vehicles with dieselengines are similar. See Under HoodOverview in your diesel supplement.
Check the fluid level when it is at ambienttemperature.
1. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. Itshould be between the MIN and MAXrange. Do not add fluid if the level iswithin this range.
2.If the fluid level is low, add fluid to bringthe fluid level up to between the MINand MAX range.
3. Switch the engine on.
4.While the engine idles, turn the steeringwheel left and right several times.
5. Switch the engine off.
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VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER
The vehicle identification number islocated on the left-hand side of theinstrument panel.
Please note that in the graphic, XXXX isrepresentative of your vehicle identificationnumber.
The Vehicle Identification Number containsthe following information:
World manufacturer identifierA
Brake system, Gross VehicleWeight Rating, Restraint Devicesand their locations
B
Make, vehicle line, series, bodytypeC
Engine typeD
Check digitE
Model yearF
Assembly plantG
Production sequence numberH
VEHICLE CERTIFICATION
LABEL
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Capacities and SpecificationsE142476 E142477 E167469

1Add 8 oz. (236 ml) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent meeting FordSpecification EST-M2C118–A for complete refill of limited slip Ford axles. Ford designrear axles contain a synthetic lubricant that does not require changing unless you submergethe axle in water.2Ford recommends using Motorcraft (Ford) DOT 3 LV High Performance Motor VehicleBrake Fluid, Motorcraft (Ford) DOT 4 LV High Performance Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid orequivalent meeting WSS-M6C65-A1 or WSS-M6C65-A2. Use of any fluid other than therecommended fluid may cause degraded brake performance and not meet the Fordperformance standards. Keep brake fluid clean and dry. Contamination with dirt, water,petroleum products or other materials may result in brake system damage and possiblefailure.3Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.4Ford has designed your engine to use Motorcraft engine oils or equivalent oils that meetFord’s specification. It is also acceptable to use an engine oil of recommended viscositygrade that meets API SN requirements and displays the API Certification Mark for gasolineengines.5Do 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.6Do not use supplemental engine oil additives. They are unnecessary and could lead toengine damage not covered by your Ford warranty.7Use the correct automatic transmission fluid. Transmission fluid requirements areindicated on the dipstick blade or the dipstick handle. Check the container to verify thefluid you are adding is of the correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance informationto 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.8Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary based on coolersize and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. You should set the amount of transmissionfluid and fluid level by the indication on the dipstick’s normal operating range.9Fill to the proper capacity according to dipstick Type A. For correct dipstick type, SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid Check (page 231).9Fill to the proper capacity according to dipstick Type B. For correct dipstick type, SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid Check (page 231).10See the Warning below:
WARNING
The air conditioning refrigerant system contains refrigerant R-134a under highpressure. 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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Capacities and Specifications

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.
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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 yourvehicle checked regularly. This can helpidentify potential issues and prevent majorproblems. We recommend having thefollowing multi-point inspection performedat every scheduled maintenance intervalto help make sure your vehicle keepsrunning great.
Multi-point inspection
Horn operationAccessory drive belt(s)
Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hosesBattery performance
Suspension component for leaks ordamageEngine air filter
Steering and linkageExhaust system
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper
pressure**Exterior lamps and hazard warning systemoperation
Windshield for cracks, chips or pitsFluid levels*; fill if necessary
Washer spray and wiper operationFor oil and fluid leaks
* Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, automatic transmission, power steering and windowwasher.**If your vehicle is equipped with a temporary mobility kit, check the tire sealant expirationUse By date on the canister. Replace as needed.
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Be sure to ask your dealership serviceadvisor or technician about the multi-pointvehicle inspection. It is a comprehensiveway to perform a thorough inspection of
your vehicle. Your checklist gives youimmediate feedback on the overallcondition 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 wheelsonly 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-wheeldrive 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 (48000km)Replace engine air filter.
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter on 5-speedtransmission. Consult dealer for requirements.Every 60000 miles (96000km)
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Off-road operation
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormalnoise, wear, looseness or drag.
Rotate tires*, inspect tires for wear and measure treaddepth.
Replace front wheel bearing grease and grease seals ifnon-sealed bearings are used.Every 30000 miles (48000km)
Change rear axle fluid (F-450 and F-550 only).Every 50000 miles (80000km)
Change transfer case fluid (Four-wheel drive vehicles).Every 60000 miles (96000km)
*Vehicles with dual rear wheels should rotate the front wheels when specified; rear wheelsonly if unusual wear is noted.
Exclusive use of E85 (Flex fuel vehicles only)
If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full with regularunleaded fuel.Every oil change interval
6.7L Diesel Engine
See the diesel supplement for specialoperating condition information.
Exceptions
There are several exceptions to the NormalSchedule:
Normal vehicle axle maintenance: Rearaxles and power take-off units withsynthetic fluid and light-duty trucksequipped with Ford-design axles arelubricated for life; do not check or changefluid unless a leak is suspected, service isrequired or the assembly has beensubmerged in water. During long periodsof trailer towing with outside temperaturesabove 70°F (21°C) and at wide-openthrottle for long periods above 45 mph (72km/h), change non-synthetic rear axle fluidevery 3000 miles (4800 kilometers) or
three months, whichever comes first. Thisinterval can be waived if the axle is filledwith 75W140 synthetic gear fluid meetingFord specification WSL-M2C192-A, partnumber F1TZ-19580-B, or equivalent. Addfriction modifier XL-3 (EST-M2C118-A) orequivalent for complete refill ofTraction-Lok rear axles. See Capacitiesand Specifications (page 292).
Police, Taxi and Livery vehicle axlemaintenance: Change rear axle fluid every100000 miles (160000 kilometers). Rearaxle fluid change may be waived if the axlewas filled with 75W140 synthetic gear fluidmeeting Ford specificationWSL-M2C192-A, part numberF1TZ-19580-B, or equivalent. Add fourounces (118 milliliters) of additive frictionmodifier XL-3 (EST-M2C118-A), orequivalent, for complete refill ofTraction-Lok rear axles. Change the axlefluid anytime the axle submerges in water.
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