engine overheat FORD F250 SUPER DUTY 2015 Owners Manual

Rear Under Seat Storage (CrewCab) (If Equipped)
The rear seat has storage space locatedunder the seat cushion.
Lift up the lever and flip up the seatcushion to access the storage space andthe power point (A).
To remove the storage space divider,squeeze the sides and lift it from thestorage tub.
Use your vehicle key to lock the storagespace.
HEATED SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING
People who are unable to feel painto their skin because of advancedage, chronic illness, diabetes, spinalcord injury, medication, alcohol use,exhaustion or other physical conditions,must exercise care when using the heatedseat. The heated seat may cause burnseven at low temperatures, especially ifused for long periods of time. Do not placeanything on the seat that insulates againstheat, such as a blanket or cushion. Thismay cause the heated seat to overheat.Do not puncture the seat with pins, needlesor other pointed objects. This may damagethe heating element which may cause theheated seat to overheat. An overheatedseat may cause serious personal injury.
Do not do the following:
•Place heavy objects on the seat.
•Operate the heated seat if water or anyother liquid is spilled on the seat. Allowthe seat to dry thoroughly.
•Operate the heated seats unless theengine is running. Doing so can causethe battery to lose charge.
116
Super Duty (), enUSA
SeatsE162739A E162740 E162741

To operate the heated seats, touch theheated seat symbol on the touchscreen tocycle through the various heat settings andoff. Warmer settings are indicated by moreindicator lights.
Rear Heated Seats (If Equipped)
WARNING
Persons who are unable to feel painto the skin because of advanced age,chronic illness, diabetes, spinal cordinjury, medication, alcohol use, exhaustion,or other physical conditions, must exercisecare when using the seat heater. The seatheater may cause burns even at lowtemperatures, especially if used for longperiods of time. Do not place anything onthe seat that insulates against heat, suchas a blanket or cushion, because this maycause the seat heater to overheat. Do notpuncture the seat with pins, needles, orother pointed objects because this maydamage the heating element which maycause the seat heater to overheat. Anoverheated seat may cause seriouspersonal injury.
Note:Do not do the following:
•Place heavy objects on the seat.
•Operate the seat heater if water or anyother liquid is spilled on the seat. Allowthe seat to dry thoroughly.
The rear seat heat controls are located onthe rear door armrest.
To operate the heated seats:
•Push the indicated side of the controlfor maximum heat.
•Push again to deactivate.
•Push the indicated side of the controlfor minimum heat.
•Push again to deactivate.
The heated seat module resets at everyignition run cycle. While the ignition is inthe on position, activate the high or lowheated seat switch to enable heatingmode. When activated, they will turn offautomatically when the engine is turnedoff.
The indicator light will illuminate when theheated seats have been activated.
117
Super Duty (), enUSA
SeatsE146322 E162742 E162743

CLIMATE CONTROLLED SEATS
Heated Seats (If Equipped)
WARNING
People who are unable to feel painto their skin because of advancedage, chronic illness, diabetes, spinalcord injury, medication, alcohol use,exhaustion or other physical conditions,must exercise care when using the heatedseat. The heated seat may cause burnseven at low temperatures, especially ifused for long periods of time. Do not placeanything on the seat that insulates againstheat, such as a blanket or cushion. Thismay cause the heated seat to overheat.Do not puncture the seat with pins, needlesor other pointed objects. This may damagethe heating element which may cause theheated seat to overheat. An overheatedseat may cause serious personal injury.
Do not do the following:
•Place heavy objects on the seat.
•Operate the heated seat if water or anyother liquid is spilled on the seat. Allowthe seat to dry thoroughly.
•Operate the heated seats unless theengine is running. Doing so can causethe battery to lose charge.
To operate the heated seats, touch theheated seat symbol on the touchscreen tocycle through the various heat settings andoff. Warmer settings are indicated by moreindicator lights.
Cooled Seats (If Equipped)
The cooled seats will only function whenthe engine is running.
To operate the cooled seats, press thecooled seat symbol to cycle through thevarious cooling settings and off. Coolersettings are indicated by more indicatorlights.
If the engine falls below 350 RPM whilethe cooled seats are on, the feature willturn itself off. You will need to reactivateit.
Heated and Cooled Seats Air FilterReplacement (If Equipped)
The heated and cooled seat systemincludes air filters. You must replace themperiodically.
The filter is located under each front seat.Access the filter from the second rowfoot-well area. Move the front seats all theway to the full front and full up positionsto ease access.
118
Super Duty (), enUSA
SeatsE146322 E146309 E146319

9. Start the vehicle.
Perform Steps 4 through 8 in reverse order,making sure to engage the hinge pivotsbetween the upper and lower halves of theshroud. Keep slight pressure in the forwarddirection as the halves are rotatedtogether.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mudor Snow
Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature ordamage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle for more thana minute or damage to the transmission andtires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,it may be rocked out by shifting betweenforward and reverse gears, stoppingbetween shifts in a steady pattern. Presslightly on the accelerator in each gear.
POWER TAKE-OFF
Auxiliary equipment called power take-off,or PTO, is often added to the engine ortransmission to operate utility equipment.Examples include a wheel-lift for towtrucks, cranes, tools for construction or tireservice, and pumping fluids. PTOapplications draw auxiliary horsepowerfrom the powertrain, often while thevehicle is stationary. In this condition, thereis limited cooling air flow through theradiator and around the vehicle thatnormally occurs when a vehicle is moving.The aftermarket PTO system installer,having the most knowledge of the finalapplication, is responsible for determiningwhether additional chassis heat protectionor powertrain cooling is required, andalerting the user to the safe and properoperation.
Ford Super Duty Vehicles are approved foruse as a stationary (including split shaftcapability) or mobile power source, withinlimits and operating guidelines detailed inthe Ford Truck Body Builders Layout Book,found at www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas,and through the Ford Truck Body BuildersAdvisory Service.
150
Super Duty (), enUSA
Transmission

Mud and Water
Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehiclespeed or direction when you are driving inmud. Even four-wheel drive vehicles canlose traction in slick mud. If your vehicledoes slide, steer in the direction of the slideuntil you regain control of your vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residuestuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.Excess mud stuck on tires and rotatingdriveshafts can cause an imbalance thatcould damage drive components.
Water
If you must drive through high water, driveslowly. Traction or brake capability maybe limited.
When driving through water, determine thedepth and avoid water higher than thebottom of the hubs. If the ignition systemgets wet, your vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes.Wet brakes do not stop your vehicle aseffectively as dry brakes. Drying can beimproved by applying light pressure to thebrake pedal while moving slowly.
Note:Driving through deep water maydamage the transmission. If the front or rearaxle is submerged in water, the axlelubricant and power transfer unit lubricantshould be checked and changed ifnecessary.
Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Although natural obstacles may make itnecessary to travel diagonally up or downa hill or steep incline, you should alwaystry to drive straight up or straight down.
Note:Avoid turning on steep slopes or hills.A danger lies in losing traction, slippingsideways and possible vehicle roll over.Whenever driving on a hill, determinebeforehand the route you will use. Do notdrive over the crest of a hill without seeingwhat conditions are on the other side. Donot drive in reverse over a hill without theaid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, startin a lower gear rather than downshifting toa lower gear from a higher gear once theascent has started. This reduces strain onthe engine and the possibility of stalling.
If your vehicle stalls, do not try to turnaround because this could cause vehicleroll over. It is better to reverse back to asafe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels toclimb the hill. Too much power will causethe tires to slip, spin or lose traction,resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you woulduse to climb up the hill to avoid excessivebrake application and brake overheating.Do not descend in neutral. Disengageoverdrive or move the transmissionselector lever to a lower gear. Whendescending a steep hill, avoid sudden hardbraking as you could lose control. The frontwheels have to be turning in order to steeryour vehicle.
157
Super Duty (), enUSA
Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)E143949

If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, applythe brakes steadily. Do not pump thebrakes.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING
If you are driving in slipperyconditions that require tire chains orcables, then it is critical that you drivecautiously. Keep speeds down, allow forlonger stopping distances and avoidaggressive steering to reduce the chancesof a loss of vehicle control which can leadto serious injury or death. If the rear end ofyour vehicle slides while cornering, steer inthe direction of the slide until you regaincontrol of your vehicle.
Note:Excessive tire slippage can causetransmission damage.
Four-wheel drive vehicles have advantagesover two-wheel drive vehicles in snow andice but can skid like any other vehicle.Should you start to slide while driving onsnowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheelin the direction of the slide until you regaincontrol.
Avoid sudden applications of power andquick changes of direction on snow andice. Apply the accelerator slowly andsteadily when starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking. Although afour-wheel drive vehicle may acceleratebetter than a two-wheel drive vehicle insnow and ice, it will not stop any faster asbraking occurs at all four wheels. Do notbecome overconfident as to roadconditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distancebetween you and other vehicles forstopping. Drive slower than usual andconsider using one of the lower gears. Inemergency stopping situations, apply thebrake steadily. Do not pump the brakepedal. See Hints on Driving WithAnti-Lock Brakes (page 162).
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud orSnow
WARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35mph (56 km/h). The tires may failand injure a passenger or bystander.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,it may be rocked out by shifting betweenforward and reverse gears, stoppingbetween shifts in a steady pattern. Presslightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature,damage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for morethan a minute, damage to the transmissionand tires may occur or the engine mayoverheat.
Parking
WARNINGS
If the parking brake is fully released,but the brake warning lamp remainsilluminated, the brakes may not beworking properly. See your authorizeddealer.
Always set the parking brake fullyand make sure the gearshift islatched in P (Park). Turn the ignitionto the off position and remove the keywhenever you leave your vehicle.
158
Super Duty (), enUSA
Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

•When stopped in congested orheavy traffic during hotweather, place the gearshift inposition P to aid engine andtransmission cooling and tohelp A/C performance.
•Turn off the speed control withheavy loads or in hilly terrain.The speed control may turn offautomatically when you aretowing on long, steep grades.
•Shift to a lower gear whendriving down a long or steephill. Do not apply the brakescontinuously, as they mayoverheat and become lesseffective.
•If your transmission is equippedwith a Grade Assist orTow/Haul feature, use thisfeature when towing. Thisprovides engine braking andhelps eliminate excessivetransmission shifting foroptimum fuel economy andtransmission cooling.
•If your vehicle is equipped withAdvanceTrac with RSC, thissystem may turn on duringtypical cornering maneuverswith a heavily loaded trailer.This is normal. Turning thecorner at a slower speed whiletowing may reduce thistendency.
•If you are towing a trailerfrequently in hot weather, hillyconditions, at the grosscombined weight rating (or anycombination of these factors),consider refilling your rear axlewith synthetic gear lubricant (ifthe axle is not already filledwith it). See Capacities andSpecifications (page 301).
•Allow more distance forstopping with a trailerattached. Anticipate stops andbrake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade.However, if you must park on agrade:
1. Turn the steering wheel topoint your vehicle tires awayfrom traffic flow.
2.Set your vehicle parking brake.
3.Place the automatictransmission in position P.
4.Place wheel chocks in frontand back of the trailer wheels.(Chocks not included withvehicle.)
Your vehicle may be equippedwith a temporary or conventionalspare tire. A "temporary" spare tireis different in size (diameter orwidth), tread-type (All-Season orAll Terrain) or is from a differentmanufacturer than the road tireson your vehicle. Consultinformation on the tire label orSafety Compliance label forlimitations when using.
204
Super Duty (), enUSA
Towing

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.
237
Super Duty (), enUSA
Maintenance

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.
238
Super Duty (), enUSA
Maintenance

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:
239
Super Duty (), enUSA
Maintenance