engine FORD F250 SUPER DUTY 2015 Manual Online

Air filter assemblyG.
Power steering fluid reservoirH.
Engine oil filler capI.
BatteryJ.
UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW -
6.8L
Note:Refer to the diesel supplement fordiesel engine component locations.
Windshield washer fluid reservoir Engine coolant reservoirA.
BatteryB.
Automatic transmission fluid dipstickC.
Engine oil filler capD.
Engine oil dipstickE.
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Power steering fluid reservoirF.
Brake fluid reservoirG.
Engine coolant reservoirH.
Air filter assemblyI.
Power distribution boxJ.
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
MINA
MAXB
ENGINE OIL CHECK
Note:For diesel engine information, referto the diesel supplement.
1. Make sure that your vehicle is on levelground.
2.Turn the engine off and wait 15 minutesfor the oil to drain into the oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure thegearshift is in P.
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself fromengine heat.
5.Locate and carefully remove the engineoil level dipstick. See the Under HoodOverview in this chapter for location ofdipstick.
6. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert thedipstick fully, then remove it again.
•If the oil level is between the lowerand upper holes, the oil level isacceptable. DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level is below the lowerhole, add enough oil to raise thelevel within the lower and upperholes.
•Oil levels above the upper hole maycause engine damage. Some oilmust be removed from the engineby an authorized dealer.
7. Put the oil level dipstick back into theoil dipstick tube and ensure it is fullyseated.
Adding Engine Oil
Note:Do not remove the filler cap whenthe engine is running.
Note:Do not remove the engine oil leveldipstick when the engine is runnin
Note:Do not add oil further than the MAXmark. Oil levels above the MAX mark maycause engine damage.
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Only use oils certified for gasoline enginesby the American Petroleum Institute (API).An oil with this trademark symbolconforms to the current engine andemission system protection standards andfuel economy requirements of theInternational Lubricants SpecificationAdvisory Council (ILSAC), comprised ofU.S. and Japanese automobilemanufacturers.
1. Check the engine oil level.
2. If the engine oil level is not within thenormal range, add engine oil thatmeets Ford specifications. SeeCapacities and Specifications for moreinformation.
3. Remove the engine oil filler cap anduse a funnel to pour the engine oil intothe opening.
4.Recheck the engine oil level. Make surethe oil level is not above the normaloperating range on the engine oil leveldipstick.
5. Install the engine oil level dipstick andensure it is fully seated.
6. Fully install the engine oil filler cap byturning the filler cap clockwise untilthree clicks are heard or until the capis fully seated.
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
Checking the Engine Coolant
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with adiesel engine, refer to the DieselSupplement.
When the engine is cold, check theconcentration and level of the enginecoolant at the intervals listed in thescheduled maintenance information. SeeScheduled Maintenance (page 440).
Note:Make sure that the level is betweenthe MIN and MAX marks on the coolantreservoir.
Note:Coolant expands when it is hot. Thelevel may extend beyond the MAX mark
Note:If the level is at the MIN mark, belowthe MIN mark, or empty, add coolantimmediately. See Adding Engine Coolantin this chapter.
The coolant concentration should bemaintained within 48% to 50%, whichequates to a freeze point between -29°F(-34°C) and -35°F (-37°C).
Note:For best results, coolantconcentration should be tested with arefractometer such as Rotunda tool300-ROB75240 available from yourauthorized dealer. Ford does notrecommend the use of hydrometers orcoolant test strips for measuring coolantconcentrations.
Note:Automotive fluids are notinterchangeable. Do not use engine coolantor antifreeze or windshield washer fluidoutside of its specified function and vehiclelocation.
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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 301).
•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 301).
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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Recycled Engine Coolant
Ford Motor Company does not recommendthe use of recycled engine coolant since aFord-approved recycling process is not yetavailable.
Used engine coolant should be disposedof in an appropriate manner. Follow yourcommunity’s regulations and standardsfor recycling and disposing of automotivefluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•It may be necessary to have a Fordauthorized dealer increase the coolantconcentration above 50%.
•A coolant concentration of 60% willprovide improved freeze pointprotection. Engine coolantconcentrations above 60% willdecrease the overheat protectioncharacteristics of the engine coolantand may cause engine damage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It may be necessary to have a Fordauthorized dealer decrease the coolantconcentration to 40%.
•A coolant concentration of 40% willprovide improved overheat protection.Engine coolant concentrations below40% will decrease the corrosion/freezeprotection characteristics of the enginecoolant and may cause enginedamage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extremeclimates should use prediluted enginecoolant for optimum cooling system andengine protection.
What You Should Know About Fail-Safe Cooling
If the engine coolant supply is depleted,this feature allows the vehicle to be driventemporarily before incremental componentdamage is incurred. The “fail-safe”distance depends on ambienttemperatures, vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat, the enginecoolant temperature gauge will move tothe red (hot) area and:
The coolant temperaturewarning light will illuminate.
The service engine soonindicator will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a presetover-temperature condition, the enginewill automatically switch to alternatingcylinder operation. Each disabled cylinderacts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will stilloperate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will bedisabled.
Continued operation will increase theengine temperature and the engine willcompletely shut down, causing steeringand braking effort to increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, theengine can be re-started. Take your vehicleto an authorized dealer as soon as possibleto minimize engine damage.
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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 440).
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 440). 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 (page301). 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 440). 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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Note:Electrical or electronic accessoriesor components added to the vehicle by thedealer or the owner may adversely affectbattery performance and durability.
Your vehicle is equipped with a Motorcraftmaintenance-free battery which normallydoes not require additional water duringits life of service.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep thetop of the battery clean and dry. Also,make certain the battery cables are alwaystightly fastened to the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery orterminals, remove the cables from theterminals and clean with a wire brush. Youcan neutralize the acid with a solution ofbaking soda and water.
It is recommended that the negativebattery cable terminal be disconnectedfrom the battery if you plan to store yourvehicle for an extended period of time.
Because your vehicle’s engine iselectronically controlled by a computer,some control conditions are maintainedby power from the battery. When thebattery is disconnected or a new batteryis installed, the engine must relearn its idleand fuel trim strategy for optimumdriveability and performance. Flexible fuelvehicles (FFV) must also relearn theethanol content of the fuel for optimumdriveability and performance. To begin thisprocess
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop,set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P, turn off allaccessories.
3. Start the engine. Run the engine untilit reaches normal operatingtemperature.
4.Allow the engine to idle for at least oneminute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engineto idle for at least one minute.
6. Release the parking brake. With yourfoot on the brake pedal and with theA/C on, put the vehicle in D and allowthe engine to idle for at least oneminute.
•If you do not allow the engine torelearn its idle trim, the idle qualityof your vehicle may be adverselyaffected until the idle trim iseventually relearned.
7. Drive the vehicle to complete therelearning process
•The vehicle may need to be driven10 mi (16 km) or more to relearn theidle and fuel trim strategy alongwith the ethanol content for flexiblefuel vehicles.
•For flexible fuel vehicles, if you areoperating on E85, you mayexperience poor starts or aninability to start the engine anddriveability problems until the fueltrim and ethanol content have beenrelearned.
If the battery has been disconnected or anew battery has been installed, the clockand radio settings must be reset once thebattery is reconnected.
Always dispose of automotivebatteries in a responsible manner.Follow your local authorized standardsfor disposal. Call your local authorizedrecycling center to find out more aboutrecycling automotive batteries.
Battery Management System (IfEquipped)
The battery management system (BMS)monitors battery conditions and takesactions to extend battery life. If excessivebattery drain is detected, the system maytemporarily disable certain electricalfeatures to protect the battery. Thoseelectrical accessories affected include therear defrost, heated/cooled seats, climate
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CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR
FILTER
WARNINGS
To reduce the risk of vehicle damageand personal burn injuries, do notstart your engine with the air cleanerremoved and do not remove it while theengine is running.
To reduce the risk of vehicle damageand personal burn injuries, do notstart your engine with the air cleanerremoved and do not remove it while theengine is running.
Note:Failure to use the correct air filterelement may result in severe enginedamage. The customer warranty may bevoid for any damage to the engine if thecorrect air filter element is not used.
When changing the air filter element, useonly the air filter element listed. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page301).
Change the air filter element at the properinterval. See Scheduled Maintenance(page 440).
1. Locate the mass air flow sensorelectrical connector on the air outlettube. Disconnect the mass air flowsensor electrical connector.
2. Reposition the locking clip on theconnector (connector shown frombelow for clarity), squeeze theconnector and pull it off of the airoutlet tube.
3.Clean the area from around the air tubeto the air cover connection to preventdebris from entering the system. Next,loosen the bolt on the air tube clampso the clamp is no longer snug to theair tube. It is not necessary tocompletely remove the clamp.
4.Pull the air tube off from the air cleanerhousing.
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