Ford E250 Owners Manual
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Adding Engine Oil Note:Do not remove the engine oil level 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). An 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 Specificationsfor 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 level dipstick. 4. Install the dipstick and ensure it is fully seated. 5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise until three clicks are heard or until the cap is fully seated. ENGINE COOLANT CHECK Checking the Engine Coolant The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the intervals listed inScheduled Maintenance Information. Note:Make sure that the level is at the FULL COLD level or within the COLD FILL RANGE in the coolant reservoir. Note:Coolant expands when it is hot. The level may extend beyond the COLD FILL RANGE. If the level is below the COLD FILL RANGE, add coolant immediately. SeeAdding Engine Coolantin this chapter. The coolant concentration should be maintained at 50%, which equates to a freeze point between -34°F (-37°C). 200Maintenance 2014 Econoline(eco) Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2013 USA(fus)
Note:For best results, coolant concentration should be tested with a refractometer such as Rotunda tool 300ROB75240 available from your 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. Note:Do not use stop leak pellets or cooling system sealants or additives as they can cause damage to the engine cooling and/or heating systems. This damage would not be covered under your vehicle’s warranty. •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. Maintenance201 2014 Econoline(eco) Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2013 USA(fus)
•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 with Motorcraft Premium Cooling System Flush, and refilled 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 will escape as you unscrew the cap. Add prediluted engine coolant meeting the Ford specification. See Capacities and Specificationsfor more information. Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the 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. Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate manner. Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling and disposing of automotive fluids. 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%. 202Maintenance 2014 Econoline(eco) Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2013 USA(fus)
•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. What You Should Know About Fail-Safe Cooling 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. How Fail-Safe Cooling Works If the engine begins to overheat, the engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the red (hot) area and: The coolant temperature warning light will illuminate. 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. Maintenance203 2014 Econoline(eco) Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2013 USA(fus)
When Fail-Safe Mode is Activated WARNING:Fail-safe mode is for use during emergencies only. Operate the vehicle in fail-safe mode only as long as necessary to bring the vehicle to rest in a safe location and seek immediate repairs. When in fail-safe mode, the vehicle will have limited power, will not be able to maintain high-speed operation, and may completely shut down without warning, potentially losing engine power, power steering assist, and power brake assist, which may increase the possibility of a crash resulting in serious injury. WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is running or hot. 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. 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. Note: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. 204Maintenance 2014 Econoline(eco) Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2013 USA(fus)
TRANSMISSION FLUID CHECK Checking Automatic Transmission Fluid (If Equipped) Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not working properly, i.e., 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 the vehicle until it is at normal operating temperature (approximately 20 miles [30 kilometers]). If your vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking. 1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 kilometers) or until it reaches normal operating temperature. 2. Park the 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 P (Park) and leave the engine running. 5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. 6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube. 7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient temperature. Maintenance205 2014 Econoline(eco) Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2013 USA(fus)
Low Fluid Level Do not drive the vehicle if there is no indication of fluid on the dipstick and the ambient temperature is above 50°F (10°C). 206Maintenance 2014 Econoline(eco) Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2013 USA(fus)
Correct Fluid Level The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating temperature 150°F-170°F (66°C-77°C) on a level surface. The normal operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles (30 km) of driving. You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is above 50°F (10°C). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating temperature. The transmission fluid should be in this range if at normal operating temperature (150°F-170°F [66°C-77°C]). Maintenance207 2014 Econoline(eco) Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2013 USA(fus)
The transmission fluid should be in this range if at ambient temperature (50°F-95°F [10°C-35°C]). 208Maintenance 2014 Econoline(eco) Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2013 USA(fus)
High Fluid Level Fluid levels above the safe range may result in transmission failure. An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible damage. High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition. H C Maintenance209 2014 Econoline(eco) Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2013 USA(fus)