engine coolant FORD F650 2015 13.G User Guide

Note:The heater is most effective when outdoor temperatures are below
0°F (-18°C).
The heater acts as a starting aid by warming the engine coolant. This
allows the climate control system to respond quickly. The equipment
includes a heater element (installed in the engine block) and a wire
harness. You can connect the system to a grounded 120–volt A/C
electrical source.
We recommend that you do the following for safe and correct operation:
•Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord that is product certified by
Underwriter’s Laboratory or Canadian Standards Association. This
extension cord must be suitable for use outdoors, in cold
temperatures, and be clearly markedSuitable for Use with Outdoor
Appliances.Never use an indoor extension cord outdoors; it could
result in an electric shock or become a fire hazard.
•Use as short an extension cord as possible.
•Do not use multiple extension cords.
•Make sure that when in operation, the extension cord plug and the
heater cord plug connections are free and clear of water. This could
cause an electric shock or fire.
•Make sure your vehicle is parked in a clean area, clear of
combustibles.
•Make sure the heater, heater cord and extension cord are firmly
connected.
•Check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system has
been operating for approximately 30 minutes.
•Make sure the system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving
your vehicle. Make sure the protective cover seals the prongs of the
block heater cord plug when not in use.
•Keep plug terminals clean and free of dirt and corrosion.
•Make sure the heater system is checked for proper operation before
winter.
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If you install an electrical back up alarm, connect it to the backup lamp
circuit.
Parking
WARNING:When parking your vehicle, do not leave the
transmission in gear; if the key is in the on position and the
vehicle rolls, the engine could start. Failure to follow these instructions
could result in an unattended vehicle moving, possibly causing personal
injury or property damage.
Always use the parking brake. When parking on a grade, block the
wheels and turn the front wheels to one side so that if your vehicle rolls,
the front tires act against the curb to stop your vehicle. The front wheels
are more effective at stopping a rolling vehicle than the rear wheels.
Cold Weather
Note:Idling in cold weather does not heat the engine to its normal
operating temperature. Long periods of idling in cold weather can cause
a build-up of heavy deposits of carbon and rust on valve stems causing
them to stick which, in turn, can cause valvetrain damage.
Note:We recommend against using winter fronts, or other air-restrictive
devices mounted in front of the radiator on vehicles with
chassis-mounted charge air coolers, unless extremely cold weather
conditions exist. Airflow restriction can cause high exhaust temperatures,
power loss, excessive fan usage and a reduction in fuel economy. If you
must use a winter front, the device should have a permanent opening of
at least 120 square inches (774 square centimeters) directly in line with
the fan hub.
For best engine operation in temperatures of 32°F (0°C) or lower:
•Make sure the batteries are the correct type and are fully charged.
Check other electrical components to make sure they are in optimum
condition.
•Use a permanent-type engine coolant to protect the engine against
damage from freezing.
•If your vehicle is equipped with a water-fuel separator, drain it daily.
Fill the fuel tank at the end of daily operation to prevent
condensation in the fuel system.
•Use the proper engine oil and maintain it at its proper level.
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•At temperatures of –4°F (–20°C) or below, it is recommended that
you use a crankcase-mounted coolant heater to improve cold engine
starting.
•If operating in arctic temperatures of –20°F (–29°C) or lower, consult
your truck dealer for information about special cold weather
equipment and precautions.
Hot Weather
•Use a permanent-type engine coolant to protect the engine against
damage from overheating.
•Fill the fuel tank at the end of daily operation to prevent
condensation in the fuel system.
•Keep external surfaces of the engine, radiator, charge air cooler, air
conditioning condenser and accessories clean to avoid dirt build-up.
•You may experience above normal coolant temperatures while driving
in a transmission gear ratio that lugs the engine. To correct this
problem, increase engine speed by downshifting into the next lower
gear.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to decrease the driver’s effort in steering your vehicle.
To help prevent damage to the power steering pump:
•Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme
left for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate your vehicle with the power steering pump fluid level
below the ADD mark on the MAX COLD side of the power steering
reservoir dipstick.
•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive,
check for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service
by an authorized dealer.
•Low power steering pump fluid levels may cause heavy or uneven
steering efforts. Check the power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service from an authorized dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the FULL mark
on the MAX HOT side of the power steering reservoir dipstick, as this
may result in leaks from the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer your vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
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Adding Engine Oil
Note:Do not remove the engine oil dipstick or the filler cap when the
engine is running.
Note:Do not add engine oil further than the MAX mark. Oil levels above
the MAX mark may cause engine damage.
Only use oils certified for gasoline engines by the
American Petroleum Institute (API). Oil with this
trademark symbol conforms to the current engine and
emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricants
Specification Advisory Council (ILSAC), comprised of
U.S. and Japanese automobile manufacturers.
1. Check the engine oil level.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add engine oil
that meets Ford specifications. SeeCapacities and Specifications
for more information. Remove the engine oil filler cap and use a
funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
normal operating range on the engine oil dipstick.
4. Put the dipstick back in completely.
5. Fully install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise until it clicks or
stops turning.
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
Diesel Engine
See your engine operator’s manual for information on checking and
adding engine coolant.
Fan Clutches
WARNING:Stay clear of the fan and fan area while the engine is
running or possible personal injury may occur.
Your vehicle’s cooling system is equipped with a viscous fan clutch
which:
•Helps control cooling, increases performance, improves fuel economy
and reduces noise.
•Bimetallic spring sensors control. Do not tamper with these sensors
as this may change their calibration or keep the fan clutch from
operating at all.
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Gasoline Engine
Checking the Engine Coolant
When the engine is cold, check the concentration and level of engine
coolant at the intervals listed in theScheduled Maintenancechapter.
Note:Make sure that the 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.
Note:If the level is at the MIN mark, below the MIN mark, or empty,
add coolant immediately. SeeAdding engine coolantin this section.
Note:For best results, coolant concentration should be tested with a
refractometer such as Rotunda tool 300-ROB75240 available from an
authorized dealer. Ford does not recommend the use of hydrometers or
coolant test strips for measuring coolant concentrations.
Note:Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
Adding Engine Coolant
WARNING:Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot.
Steam and scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system
can burn you badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts.
WARNING:Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer
fluid container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant
could make it difficult to see through the windshield.
WARNING: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 the cap is loosened slightly.
WARNING:Do not add coolant further than the MAX mark.
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Note:Do not use stop leak pellets or cooling system sealants or
additives as they can cause damage to the engine cooling and heating
systems. Your vehicle’s warranty does not cover this damage.
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 draining the engine coolant,
flushing the system, or replacing the engine coolant.
•DO NOT MIX different colors or types of coolant in your vehicle.
Make sure the correct coolant is used. Mixing of engine coolants may
harm your engine’s cooling system. The use of an improper coolant
may harm engine and cooling system components and may void the
warranty. Use prediluted engine coolant meeting the Ford
specification. See theCapacities and Specificationschapter for
more information.
•In case of emergency, you may add a large amount of water without
engine coolant in order to reach a vehicle service location. In this
instance, drain the cooling system, chemically clean it with Motorcraft
Premium Cooling System Flush, and refill it with engine coolant as
soon as possible. 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.
Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure escapes as you unscrew the cap.
Add prediluted engine coolant meeting the Ford specification. See
Capacities and Specificationsfor more information.
Whenever you add coolant, check the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir the next few times you drive your vehicle. If necessary, add
enough prediluted engine coolant to bring the coolant level to the proper
level.
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.
Dispose of used engine coolant in an appropriate manner. Follow your
community’s regulations and standards for recycling and disposing of
automotive fluids.
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Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•It may be necessary to have an authorized dealer increase the coolant
concentration above 50%.
•A coolant concentration of 60% provides improved freeze point
protection. Engine coolant concentrations above 60% 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 an authorized dealer decrease the
coolant concentration to 40%.
•A coolant concentration of 40% provides improved overheat
protection. Engine coolant concentrations below 40% decrease the
corrosion and 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.
What You Should Know About Fail-Safe Cooling (If Equipped)
(Gasoline Engine Only)
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.
If the engine coolant supply is very low, this feature allows you to drive
your vehicle temporarily before incremental component damage occurs.
The fail-safe distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load and
terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature gauge moves to the red (hot) area.
•The information display indicates the engine is overheating.
•The service engine soon indicator illuminates.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
automatically switches to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
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When Fail-Safe Mode Turns On
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
Note:Driving your vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive your
vehicle with caution. Your vehicle is not able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine runs 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. Have your vehicle taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
5. Restart the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
TRANSMISSION FLUID CHECK
Allison Automatic Transmissions
See yourAllison Automatic Transmission Operator’s Manualfor
scheduled transmission fluid checks and change intervals. Your
transmission does not consume fluid. However, you should check the
fluid level if the transmission is not working properly. For example, if the
transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid
leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive your vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature, approximately 20 miles (30 kilometers). Verify that the
transmission fluid temperature gauge, located on the instrument cluster,
is within the normal range.
1. Drive your vehicle 20 miles (30 kilometers) or until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
2. Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the engine running, parking brake engaged and your foot on the
brake pedal, move the gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges.
Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in positionNorPand leave the engine
running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry, lint-free rag.
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Body
•Wash your vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud
from exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housing and the underside of the
front fenders.
•Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed locations.
•Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
•Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of auto wax
to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when you wash your
vehicle.
•Lubricate all hood and door hinges and latches with light grade oil.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
Engine
•Change the engine oil and filter before storage. Used engine oil
contains 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(s) with high-quality fuel until the first automatic
shutoff of the fuel pump nozzle.
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
Note:If battery cables are disconnected, it is necessary to reset memory
features.
•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 make
sure battery charge does not lose its charge.
Brakes
•Make sure to release the brakes and parking brake fully.
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Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
•Make sure to cover all linkages, cables, levers and pins under your
vehicle with grease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 meters) every 15 days to lubricate
working parts and prevent corrosion.
Removing Your Vehicle from Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of storage, do the following:
•Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt or grease film build-up on
window surfaces.
•Check windshield wipers for any deterioration.
•Check under the hood for any foreign material that may have
collected during storage (mice or squirrel nests).
•Check the exhaust for any foreign material that may have collected
during storage.
•Check tire pressures and set tire inflation per the Tire Label.
•Check brake pedal operation. Drive your vehicle 15 feet (4.5 meters)
back and forth to remove rust build-up.
•Check fluid levels (including engine coolant, engine oil and fuel) to
make sure there are no leaks and fluids are at recommended levels.
•If you remove the battery, clean the battery cable ends and inspect.
Contact an authorized dealer if you have any concerns or issues.
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