engine coolant FORD F550 2012 User Guide

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.
Mixing of engine coolants may harm your engine’s cooling system.
Only use engine coolant that meets the Ford specification. Generic
coolants for all makes and models may not meet the Ford
specification. The use of an improper coolant may harm engine and
cooling system components and may void the warranty. See
Capacities and Specifications for more information.
• 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, and
refilled with prediluted engine coolant as soon as possible per the
instructions in the Workshop Manual. 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.
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems and a non-pressurized
cap on the coolant recovery system, add prediluted engine coolant to
the FULL COLD level on the coolant recovery reservoir when the engine
is cool.
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems and a pressure relief
cap on the radiator, follow these steps to add engine coolant:
1. Turn off the engine and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the radiator.
3. Slowly turn the coolant pressure relief cap counterclockwise until
pressure begins to release.
4. Step back while the pressure releases.
5. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap. Maintenance and Specifications
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6. Remove the cap from the engine coolant reservoir.
7. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with prediluted engine coolant to the
FULL COLD level, or between the MIN and MAX marks, or the COLD
FILL RANGE, as listed on the engine coolant reservoir (depending upon
application).
8. Add prediluted engine coolant to the radiator until the coolant is
visible and the radiator is almost full.
9. Install the cap to the engine coolant reservoir. Tighten the cap in
order to prevent coolant loss.
10. Install the pressure relief cap to the radiator. Tighten the cap in
order to prevent coolant loss.
For vehicles which have a coolant degas system with a
pressurized cap on the coolant reservoir, follow these steps to add
engine coolant:
1. Turn off the engine and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir.
3. Slowly turn the coolant pressure relief cap counterclockwise until
pressure begins to release.
4. Step back while the pressure releases.
5. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
6. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with prediluted engine coolant to
within the FULL COLD level, or between the MIN and MAX marks, or
the COLD FILL RANGE, as listed on the engine coolant reservoir
(depending upon application).
Whenever you add coolant, check the coolant concentration. See
Checking the engine coolant in this chapter. If the concentration is not
50%, drain some coolant and adjust the concentration. It may take
several drains and additions to obtain a 50% coolant concentration.
The next few times you drive the vehicle, check the coolant level in the
coolant reservoir. If necessary, add enough prediluted engine coolant to
bring the coolant level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 quart (1.0 liter) of engine coolant per
month, have your authorized dealer check the engine cooling system. Your
cooling system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low level of
coolant can result in engine overheating and possible engine damage.Maintenance and Specifications
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Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company does not recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet available.
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner.
Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling and
disposing of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
to Maintenance product specifications and capacities in this chapter.
If your vehicle is equipped with a diesel engine, refer to the
Maintenance product specifications and capacities section of your
diesel supplement.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined previously in the Adding
engine coolant section.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
• It may be necessary to have a Ford authorized dealer increase the
coolant concentration above 50%.
• A coolant concentration of 60% will provide improved freeze point
protection. Engine coolant concentrations above 60% will decrease the
overheat protection characteristics of the engine coolant and may
cause engine damage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
• It may be necessary to have a Ford authorized dealer decrease the
coolant concentration to 40%.
• A coolant concentration of 40% will provide improved overheat
protection. Engine coolant concentrations below 40% will decrease the
corrosion/freeze protection characteristics of the engine coolant and
may cause engine damage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use
prediluted engine coolant for optimum cooling system and engine
protection. Maintenance and Specifications
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What you should know about fail-safe cooling (if equipped)
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The “fail-safe” distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
WARNING: If fail-safe cooling activates, pull off the road as
soon as safely possible and turn the engine off. The engine may
automatically shut off while driving without further indication.
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
• The engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
• The message center will indicate the engine is overheating.
• The service engine soon indicator will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
• The engine power will be limited.
• The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be restarted. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
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.Maintenance and Specifications
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3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
WARNING: Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
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 (except 6.8L V10)
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 on the message center.
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.
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.
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:
• the engine coolant temperature gauge moves fully into the red (hot)
area
• the coolant temperature warning light illuminates Maintenance and Specifications
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• the service engine soon indicator illuminates
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.
WARNING: Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
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.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuel filter (gasoline vehicles only)
that is integrated with the fuel tank. Regular maintenance or
replacement is not needed. For diesel engine information, refer to the
diesel supplement.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
WARNING: Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an
overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
WARNING: The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel
filler cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait
until it stops before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise,
fuel may spray out and injure you or others.Maintenance and Specifications
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• Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges, and latches with a light
grade oil. See the Cleaning chapter for more information.
• Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
• Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
Engine
• The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contain contaminates that may cause engine damage.
• Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
• With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the
engine is running.
Fuel system
• Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff
of the fuel pump nozzle.
Note: During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more),
fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add a quality gas stabilizer
product to the vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage
periods exceed 30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label.
The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to circulate the
additive throughout the fuel system.
Cooling system
• Protect against freezing temperatures.
• When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
• Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean.
• If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without recharging the
battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the battery cables to ensure
battery charge is maintained for quick starting.
Note: If battery cables are disconnected, it will be necessary to reset
memory features.Maintenance and Specifications
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MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
Item Capacity Ford part name Ford part number /
Ford specification
Front axle 5.8 pints (2.8L) Motorcraft  SAE 80W-90
Premium Rear Axle
Lubricant XY-80W-90–QL /
WSP-M2C197–A
Spindle bearing — High Temperature 4X4
Front Axle and Wheel
Bearing Grease XG-11 /
WSS-M1C267-A1
Rear axle - F-250/350
(10.50 inch axle)
16.9 pints (3.3L) Motorcraft  SAE
75W-140 Synthetic Rear
Axle Lubricant XY-75W140–QL /
WSL-M2C192-A
Rear axle - F-350 (Dana
M80) 8.5 pints (4.0L) Motorcraft  SAE 75W-90
Synthetic Rear Axle
Lubricant XY-75W90–QLS /
WSS–M2C918–A
Rear axle - F-450/550
(Dana S110/S130) 14.0 pints (6.6L) Motorcraft  SAE
75W-140 Synthetic Rear
Axle Lubricant XY-75W140–QL /
WSL-M2C192-A
Brake fluid Between
MIN/MAX on
brake fluid
reservoir Motorcraft  High
Performance DOT 3
Motor Vehicle Brake
Fluid PM-1–C / WSS-M6C62-A
or WSS-M6C65-A1
Engine coolant
(6.2L V8 engine)
221.3 quarts
(20.2L) Motorcraft  Orange
Antifreeze/Coolant
Prediluted VC-3DIL-B (US) /
CVC-3DIL-B (Canada) /
WSS-M97B44-D2Engine coolant
(6.8L V10 engine)
226.7 quarts
(25.3L)Maintenance and Specifications
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Item Capacity Ford part name Ford part number /
Ford specification
Engine and fuel coolant
- diesel engine Refer to the diesel supplement.
Engine oil (includes
filter change) - 6.2L V8
and 6.8L V10 gas
engines
57.0 quarts (6.6L) • Motorcraft  SAE 5W-20
Premium Synthetic
Blend Motor Oil (US)
• Motorcraft  SAE 5W-20
Full Synthetic Motor Oil
(US)
• Motorcraft  SAE 5W-20
Super Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)
• Motorcraft  SAE 5W-20
Synthetic Motor Oil
(Canada) • XO-5W20-QSP (US)
• XO-5W20-QFS (US)
• CXO-5W20–LSP12
(Canada)
• CXO-5W-20-LFS12
(Canada) /
WSS-M2C945-A and API
Certification Mark
Engine oil (includes
filter change) - diesel
engine Refer to the diesel supplement.
Fuel tank (mid-ship) 28 gallons (106L) — —
Fuel tank (plastic) 35 gallons (132L) — —
Fuel tank (Aft axle) 40 gallons (151L) — —
Fuel tank - diesel
engine Refer to the diesel supplement.Maintenance and Specifications
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Item Capacity Ford part name Ford part number /
Ford specification
Windshield washer fluid Fill as required Motorcraft  Premium
Windshield Washer
Concentrate (US)
Premium Quality
Windshield Washer Fluid
(Canada) ZC-32–A (US)
CXC-37-(A, B, D, and F)
(Canada) /
WSB-M8B16–A2 /- -
1Add 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 the axle has been submerged in water.
2Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
3Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission fluid requirements are
indicated on the dipstick blade or the dipstick handle. Check the container to verify the fluid being
added is of the correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance information to determine the
correct service interval.
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.
4Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary based on cooler size and
if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set
by the indication on the dipstick’s normal operating range.
5Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C945-A and the API Certification mark.
6Refer to Checking automatic transmission fluid in this chapter for the correct dipstick type.
Fill to the proper capacity according to dipstick Type A.
7Refer to Checking automatic transmission fluid in this chapter for the correct dipstick type.
Fill to the proper capacity according to dipstick Type B.Maintenance and Specifications
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