check engine light FORD F53 2017 Owners Manual

Introduction
About This Manual...........................................3
Symbols Glossary.............................................3
California Proposition 65
...............................5
Perchlorate..........................................................5
Ford Credit...........................................................5
Replacement Parts Recommendation........................................6
Special Notices
.................................................6
Mobile Communications Equipment.......................................................7
Export Unique Options
...................................7
Environment
Protecting the Environment
.........................9
Steering Wheel
Adjusting the Steering Wheel
....................10
Cruise Control
...................................................10
Wipers and Washers
Windshield Wipers...........................................11
Windshield Washers
.......................................11
Lighting
Lighting Control................................................12
Instrument Lighting Dimmer.......................12
Daytime Running Lamps
..............................13
Direction Indicators.........................................13
Instrument Cluster
Gauges................................................................14
Warning Lamps and Indicators..................16
Audible Warnings and Indicators
..............18
Information Displays
General Information
.......................................19
Information Messages
.................................20 Starting and Stopping the
Engine
General Information
......................................23
Ignition Switch
.................................................23
Starting a Gasoline Engine.........................23
Engine Block Heater......................................25
Fuel and Refueling
Safety Precautions........................................26
Fuel Quality
.......................................................27
Running Out of Fuel.......................................27
Refueling............................................................27
Fuel Consumption
.........................................29
Emission Control System
...........................30
Transmission
Automatic Transmission.............................33
Brakes
General Information
......................................36
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes.............................................................36
Parking Brake
...................................................37
Cruise Control
Principle of Operation..................................38
Using Cruise Control.....................................38
Load Carrying
Load Limit.........................................................39
Towing
Towing a Trailer...............................................45
Recommended Towing Weights
..............46
Essential Towing Checks............................48
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels.......50
Driving Hints
Breaking-In........................................................51
1
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Table of Contents

Avoid smoking, flames or sparks
Battery
Battery acid
Brake fluid - non petroleum
based
Brake system
Cabin air filter
Check fuel cap
Child safety door lock or unlock
Child seat lower anchor
Child seat tether anchor
Cruise control
Do not open when hot
Engine air filter
Engine coolant
Engine coolant temperature Engine oil
Explosive gas
Fan warning
Fasten seatbelt
Front airbag
Front fog lamps
Fuel pump reset
Fuse compartment
Hazard warning flashers
Heated rear window
Heated windshield
Interior luggage compartment
release
Jack
Keep out of reach of children
Lighting control
4
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Introduction E71340 E161353

Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
Indicates engine oil pressure. The needle
should stay in the normal operating range
(between L and H). If the needle falls
below the normal range, stop the vehicle,
turn off the engine and check the engine
oil level. Add oil if needed. If the oil level is
correct, have your vehicle checked by your
authorized dealer.
Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed. Vehicle speed is
limited to either 65 mph (105 km/h) or 75
mph (120 km/h).
Transmission Fluid Temperature
Gauge
Normal area
The transmission fluid is within the normal
operating temperature (between H and
C).
Yellow area
The transmission fluid is higher than
normal operating temperature. This can
be caused by special operation conditions
(i.e. snowplowing, towing or off-road use).
Operating the transmission for extended
periods of time with the gauge in the
yellow area may cause internal
transmission damage. Altering the severity
of the driving conditions is recommended
to lower the transmission temperature into
the normal range.
Red area
The transmission fluid is overheating. Stop
the vehicle to allow the temperature to
return to normal range.
If the gauge is operating in the yellow or
red area, stop the vehicle and verify the
airflow is not restricted such as snow or
debris blocking airflow through the grill. If
the gauge continues to show high
temperatures, see your authorized dealer.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge WARNING
Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap while the engine is running or hot.
At normal operating temperature, the
needle will remain in the center section.
Note:
Do not restart the engine until the
cause of overheating has been resolved.
If the needle enters the red section, the
engine is overheating. Stop the engine,
switch the ignition off and determine the
cause once the engine has cooled down.
Fuel Gauge
Note: The fuel gauge may vary slightly
when your vehicle is moving or on a slope.
Switch the ignition on. The fuel gauge
indicates approximately how much fuel
you have left in the fuel tank. The arrow
adjacent to the fuel pump symbol
indicates on which side of your vehicle the
fuel filler door is located.
The needle should move toward F when
you refuel your vehicle. If the needle points
to E after adding fuel, have an authorized
dealer check the system soon.
After refueling, some variability in the
position of the needle is normal:
15
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Instrument Cluster

Brake System
Illuminates when you engage the
parking brake with the ignition
on.
If it illuminates when you are driving, check
that the parking brake is not engaged. If
the parking brake is not engaged, this
indicates low brake fluid level or a brake
system malfunction. Have the system
checked immediately by your authorized
dealer. WARNING
Driving your vehicle with the warning
lamp on is dangerous. A significant
decrease in braking performance
may occur. It will take you longer to stop
your vehicle. Have your vehicle checked by
your authorized dealer immediately. Driving
extended distances with the parking brake
engaged can cause brake failure and the
risk of personal injury. Brake Reserve System (If Equipped)
Illuminates to indicate normal
hydromax booster reserve
system activation when the
engine is off and the service brake pedal is
applied.
This light may also illuminate momentarily
if the engine is running and the driver turns
the steering wheel fully in one direction
while braking.
If the light remains on while the engine is
running, this indicates inadequate hydraulic
booster pressure or reserve pump system
failure. Stop the vehicle as soon as
possible and seek service immediately by
your authorized dealer. Cruise Control
(If Equipped) Illuminates when you switch this
feature on. See
Using Cruise
Control (page 38).
Direction Indicator Illuminates when the left or right
direction indicator or the hazard
warning flasher is turned on. If
the indicators stay on or flash faster, check
for a burned out bulb.
Electronic Throttle Control Illuminates when the engine has
defaulted to a limp-home
operation. See your authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
Fasten Safety Belt It will illuminate and a chime will
sound to remind you to fasten
your safety belt.
High Beam Illuminates when you switch the
high beam headlamps on. It will
flash when you use the
headlamp flasher.
Service Engine Soon If the service engine soon
indicator light stays illuminated
after the engine is started, it
indicates that the On-Board Diagnostics
(OBD-II) system has detected a
malfunction of the vehicle emissions
control system. Refer to On-Board
Diagnostics (OBD-II) in the Fuel and
Refueling chapter for more information
about having your vehicle serviced. See
Emission Control System
(page 30).
17
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Instrument ClusterE144522 E146190 E71340

If the light is blinking, engine misfire is
occurring which could damage your
catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate
fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and
deceleration) and have your vehicle
serviced immediately.
WARNING
Under engine misfire conditions,
excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic
converter, the fuel system, interior floor
coverings or other vehicle components,
possibly causing a fire. Have your vehicle
serviced immediately. The service engine soon indicator light
illuminates when the ignition is first turned
on prior to engine start to check the bulb
and to indicate whether the vehicle is ready
for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing.
Normally, the service engine soon light will
stay on until the engine is cranked, then
turn itself off if no malfunctions are
present. However, if after 15 seconds the
service engine soon light blinks eight times,
it means that the vehicle is not ready for
I/M testing. See Emission Control
System (page 30).
Transmission Tow/Haul
(If Equipped) Illuminates when the tow/haul
feature has been activated. If the
light flashes steadily, have the
system serviced immediately, damage to
the transmission could occur.
AUDIBLE WARNINGS AND
INDICATORS
Fail-Safe Cooling Warning Chime
Sounds when the coolant gauge pointer
has moved to hot. There are three stages
of chimes: •
Stage 1 is a single chime when the
engine temperature begins to overheat.
• Stage 2 is multiple chimes and engine
power becomes limited in order to help
cool the engine.
• Stage 3 is multiple chimes and the
engine will shut down.
Headlamps On Warning Chime
Sounds when you remove the key from the
ignition and open the driver's door and you
have left the headlamps or parking lamps
on.
Key in Ignition Warning Chime
Sounds when you open the driver's door
and you have left the key in the ignition.
Parking Brake On Warning Chime
Sounds when you have left the parking
brake on and drive your vehicle. If the
warning chime remains on after you have
released the parking brake, have the
system checked by your authorized dealer
immediately.
Shift to Park Warning Chime
Sounds when you open the driver's door
and your vehicle is not in park.
18
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Instrument ClusterE161509

WARNINGS
Read and follow all the instructions
on the pump island.
Turn off your engine when you are
refueling.
Do not smoke if you are near fuel or
refueling your vehicle.
Keep sparks, flames and smoking
materials away from fuel.
Stay outside your vehicle and do not
leave the fuel pump unattended
when refueling your vehicle. This is
against the law in some places. Keep children away from the fuel
pump; never let children pump fuel.
Do not use personal electronic
devices while refueling.
Wait at least 10 seconds before
removing the fuel pump nozzle to
allow any residual fuel to drain into
the fuel tank. Stop refueling after the fuel pump
nozzle automatically shuts off for the
second time. Failure to follow this
will fill the expansion space in the fuel tank
and could lead to fuel overflowing. Do not remove the fuel pump nozzle
from its fully inserted position when
refueling.
Use the following guidelines to avoid
electrostatic charge build-up when filling
an ungrounded fuel container:
•
Place approved fuel container on the
ground.
• Do not fill a fuel container while it is in
the vehicle (including the cargo area).
• Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact
with the fuel container while filling.
• Do not use a device that would hold
the fuel pump handle in the fill position. Fuel Filler Cap WARNINGS
The fuel system may be under
pressure. If you hear a hissing sound
near the fuel filler door, do not refuel
until the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out, which could cause serious
personal injury. If you do not use the proper fuel filler
cap, excessive pressure or vacuum
in the fuel tank may damage the fuel
system or cause the fuel cap to disengage
in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury. Note:
If you must replace the fuel filler cap,
replace it with a fuel filler cap that is
designed for your vehicle. The customer
warranty may be void for any damage to the
fuel tank or fuel system if the correct
genuine Ford, Motorcraft or other certified
fuel filler cap is not used.
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed
design with a 1/4th turn on and off feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Put your vehicle in park (P).
2. Switch the engine off.
3. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise until it spins off.
4. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
5. To install the cap, align the tabs on the
cap with the notches on the filler pipe.
6. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/4 of a turn clockwise until it clicks at least
once.
If the Check Fuel Cap light or a Check Fuel
Cap message appears in the instrument
cluster and stays on after you start the
engine, you may not have installed the fuel
filler properly.
28
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Fuel and Refueling

If the fuel cap light remains on, at the next
opportunity, safely pull off of the road,
remove the fuel filler cap, align the cap
properly and reinstall it. The check fuel cap
light or Check fuel cap message may not
reset immediately. It may take several
driving cycles for the indicators to turn off.
A driving cycle consists of an engine
start-up (after four or more hours with the
engine off) followed by normal city and
highway driving.
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Empty reserve is the amount of fuel
remaining in the tank after the fuel gauge
indicates empty. The amount of usable
fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range.
•
The usable capacity of the fuel tank is
the amount of fuel that you can add to
the fuel tank when the fuel gauge
indicates empty, before the first fuel
filler nozzle automatic shutoff event.
• The advertised capacity is equal to the
volumetric difference between actual
fuel fill before the first fuel filler nozzle
automatic shutoff event and the fuel
quantity when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 125). It is the
usable capacity minus the empty
reserve.
• Due to the empty reserve, you may be
able to add more fuel than the
advertised capacity of the fuel tank
when the fuel gauge indicates empty. Filling the Fuel Tank
For consistent results when refueling:
•
Turn the ignition off before fueling; an
inaccurate reading results if the engine
is left running.
• Use the same fill rate
(low-medium-high) each time the tank
is filled.
• Allow no more than one automatic
shut-off when refueling.
Results are most accurate when the filling
method is consistent.
Calculating Fuel Economy
Do not measure fuel economy during the
first
1,000 mi (1,600 km) of driving (this is
your engine ’s break-in period). A more
accurate measurement is obtained after
2,000 mi (3,200 km)
to 3,000 mi
(4,800 km). Also, fuel expense, frequency
of fill ups or fuel gauge readings are not
accurate ways to measure fuel economy.
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record
the initial odometer reading.
2. Each time you fill the fuel tank, record the amount of fuel added.
3. After at least three fill ups, fill the fuel tank and record the current odometer
reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer reading.
To calculate L/100 km (liters per 100
kilometers) fuel consumption, multiply the
liters used by 100, then divide by kilometers
traveled. To calculate MPG (miles per
gallon) fuel consumption, divide miles
traveled by gallons used.
29
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Fuel and Refueling

Trailer Brakes
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic
brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle
may not have enough braking power and
your chances of having a collision greatly
increase. Electric brakes and manual, automatic or
surge-type trailer brakes are safe if you
install them properly and adjust them to
the manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and federal
regulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's braking
system operation is at the gross vehicle
weight rating, not the gross combined
weight rating.
Separate functioning brake systems
are required for safe control of towed
vehicles and trailers weighing more
than 1500 pounds (680 kilograms)
when loaded.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING
Never connect any trailer lamp wiring
to the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; this
may damage the electrical system
resulting in fire. Contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible for assistance
in proper trailer tow wiring installation.
Additional electrical equipment may be
required. Trailer lamps are required on most towed
vehicles. Make sure all running lights, brake
lights, direction indicators and hazard lights
are working. Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up
to get the feel of your vehicle-trailer
combination before starting on a trip.
When turning, make wider turns so the
trailer wheels clear curbs and other
obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•
Do not drive faster than 70 mph
(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi
(800 km).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check your hitch, electrical connections
and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly
after you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
• When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
gearshift in park (P) to aid engine and
transmission cooling and to help air
conditioning performance.
• Switch off the speed control with
heavy loads or in hilly terrain. The
speed control may turn off
automatically when you are towing on
long, steep grades.
• Shift to a lower gear when driving down
a long or steep hill. Do not apply the
brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
• If your transmission is equipped with a
Grade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, use
this feature when towing. This provides
engine braking and helps eliminate
excessive transmission shifting for
optimum fuel economy and
transmission cooling.
• Allow more distance for stopping with
a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
brake gradually.
• Avoid parking on a grade. However, if
you must park on a grade:
1. Turn the steering wheel to point your vehicle tires away from traffic flow.
49
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Towing

•
Use the speed control in hilly terrain.
• Rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving.
• Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow a
trailer.
• Carry unnecessary weight
(approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is
lost for every 400 lb [180 kilogram] of
weight carried).
• Driving with the wheels out of
alignment.
Conditions
• Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a
trailer may reduce fuel economy at any
speed.
• Adding certain accessories to your
vehicle (for example bug deflectors,
rollbars, light bars, running boards, ski
racks or luggage racks) may reduce
fuel economy.
• To maximize the fuel economy, drive
with the tonneau cover installed (if
equipped).
• Using fuel blended with alcohol may
lower fuel economy.
• Fuel economy may decrease with lower
temperatures during the first 8– 10
miles (12 –16 kilometers) of driving.
• Driving on flat terrain offers improved
fuel economy as compared to driving
on hilly terrain.
• Transmissions give their best fuel
economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure
on the gas pedal.
• Four-wheel-drive operation (if
equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving. DRIVING THROUGH WATER WARNING
Do not drive through flowing or deep
water as you may lose control of your
vehicle.
Note:
Driving through standing water can
cause vehicle damage.
Note: Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,
check the depth. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the wheel
hubs. When driving through standing water, drive
very slowly and do not stop your vehicle.
Your brake performance and traction may
be limited. After driving through water and
as soon as it is safe to do so:
•
Lightly press the brake pedal to dry the
brakes and to check that they work.
• Check that the horn works.
• Check that the exterior lights work.
• Turn the steering wheel to check that
the steering power assist works.
52
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Driving HintsE176913

WARNINGS
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 you loosen the cap
slightly. Do not add coolant further than the
MAX mark.
When the engine is cold, check the
concentration and level of the coolant at
the intervals listed in the scheduled
maintenance information. See Scheduled
Maintenance
(page 136).
Note: Make sure that the coolant level is
between the
MIN and MAX marks on the
coolant reservoir.
Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. The
level may extend beyond the
MAX mark.
Maintain coolant concentration within
48% to 50%, which equates to a freeze
point between -30°F (-34°C) and -34°F
(-37°C). Coolant concentration should be
checked using a refractometer. We do not
recommend the use of hydrometers or
coolant test strips for measuring coolant
concentration.
Adding Engine Coolant WARNING
Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap while the engine is running or hot.
Note:
Automotive fluids are not
interchangeable. Do not use coolant or
windshield washer fluid outside of its
specified function and vehicle location. Note:
Do not use stop leak pellets, cooling
system sealants, or non-specified additives
as they can cause damage to the engine
cooling or heating systems. Resulting
component damage may not be covered by
the vehicle Warranty.
It is very important to use prediluted
coolant approved to the correct
specification in order to avoid plugging the
small passageways in the engine cooling
system. See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 129). Do not mix
different colors or types of coolant in your
vehicle. Mixing of engine coolants or using
an incorrect coolant may harm the engine
or cooling system components and may
not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Note: If prediluted coolant is not available,
use the approved concentrated coolant
diluting it to 50/50 with distilled water. See
Capacities and Specifications (page 129).
Using water that has not been deionised
may contribute to deposit formation,
corrosion and plugging of the small cooling
system passageways.
Note: Coolants marketed for all makes and
models may not be approved to Ford
specifications and may cause damage to
the cooling system. Resulting component
damage may not be covered by the vehicle
Warranty.
If the coolant level is at or below the
minimum mark, add prediluted coolant
immediately.
To top up the coolant level do the
following:
1. Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure escapes as you unscrew the cap.
2. Add prediluted coolant approved to the correct specification. See
Capacities and Specifications (page
129
).
3. Add enough prediluted coolant to reach the correct level.
90
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Maintenance