Ford E450 Owners Manual

							3.
Keep the accelerator and brake pedals
fully pressed.
4. After three seconds, a message displays confirming the reset procedure
is in progress.
5. After 25 seconds, a message displays confirming the reset procedure is
complete.
6. Release the accelerator and brake pedals.
7. Switch the ignition off.
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK WARNINGS
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, spilling
coolant on hot engine parts can burn you. 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. 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.
Checking the Engine Coolant
When the engine is cold, check the
concentration and level of the engine
coolant at the intervals listed in the
scheduled maintenance information.  See
Scheduled Maintenance (page 266). 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.
Note: If the level is at the MIN mark, below
the MIN mark, or empty, add coolant
immediately. See 
Adding Engine Coolant
in this chapter.
Maintain coolant concentration within
48% to 50%, which equates to a freeze
point between -30°F (-34°C) and -34°F
(-37°C).
Note: For best results, coolant
concentration should be tested with a
refractometer such as Robinair® Coolant
and Battery Refractometer 75240. We do
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
Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, cooling
system sealants or additives as they can
cause damage to the engine cooling or
heating systems. Your warranty may not
cover these damages.
Do not mix different colors or types of
coolant in your vehicle. 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 
Capacities and
Specifications (page 190).
In case of emergency, you can add a large
amount of water without engine coolant
in order to reach a vehicle service location.
In this instance, qualified personnel:
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							1. Must drain the cooling system.
2. Chemically clean the coolant system
with Motorcraft Premium Cooling
System Flush.
3. Refill with engine coolant as soon as possible.
Water alone, without engine coolant, can
cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
Do not use the following as a coolant
substitute:
• Alcohol.
• Methanol.
• Brine.
• Any engine coolant mixed with alcohol
or methanol antifreeze or 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.
When adding coolant:
1. Unscrew the cap slowly. Pressure escapes as you unscrew the cap.
2. Add prediluted engine coolant meeting
the Ford specification.  See Capacities
and Specifications (page 190).
3. Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir the next few times you drive
your vehicle.
4. 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 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 freeze and corrosion
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 outside temperatures, vehicle
load and terrain.
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							How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat, the engine
coolant temperature gauge moves to the
red (hot) area and:
A high engine temperature
message appears in the
information display.
The service engine soon
indicator appears in the
information display.
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.
If this occurs, your vehicle still operates.
However:
• The engine power becomes limited.
• The air conditioning system becomes
disabled.
Continued operation increases the engine
temperature and the engine completely
shuts down, causing steering and braking
effort to increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the
engine can be re-started. Take your vehicle
to an authorized dealer as soon as possible
to minimize engine damage.
When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated WARNINGS
Fail-safe mode is for use during
emergencies only. Operate your
vehicle in fail-safe mode only as long
as necessary to bring your vehicle to rest
in a safe location and seek immediate
repairs. When in fail-safe mode, your
vehicle has limited power, does not WARNINGS
maintain high-speed operation and may
completely shut down without warning.
Potentially losing power steering assist,
and power brake assist, which may
increase the possibility of a crash resulting
in serious injury. Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap while the engine is running or hot.
Your vehicle has limited engine power,
drive your vehicle with caution. Your vehicle
does not maintain high-speed operation
and the engine operates poorly.
Remember that the engine is capable of
automatically shutting down to prevent
engine damage. In this situation:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely
possible and switch off the engine.
2. Tow your vehicle 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 add if low.
5. Re-start the engine and drive your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Note: Driving your vehicle without repair
increases the chance of engine damage. See
an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
Have an authorized dealer check and
change the transmission fluid and filter at
the correct service interval.  See
Scheduled Maintenance (page 266).
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							Do not use supplemental transmission
fluid additives, treatments or cleaning
agents. The use of these materials may
affect transmission operation and result
in damage to internal transmission
components.
Checking Automatic Transmission
Fluid
For scheduled intervals of the fluid checks
and changes,  See Scheduled
Maintenance (page 266).  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
19 mi (30 km)
). Verify that the
transmission fluid temperature gauge,
located on the instrument cluster, is within
normal range.
1. Drive the vehicle 
19 mi (30 km) 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. Put the transmission in park (P) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer to the Under Hood
Overview in this chapter for the
location of the dipstick. 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.
Low Fluid Level
Type A Type B
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).
Correct Fluid Level
Type A
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							Type B
For vehicles equipped with 5-speed
transmissions, check the fluid at the
normal operating temperature of 151°F
(66°C) to 170°F (77°C) on a level surface.
For vehicles equipped with 6-speed
transmissions, check the fluid at the
normal operating temperature of 
196°F
(91°C) to 215°F (102°C) on a level surface.
The normal operating temperature can be
reached after approximately 
19 mi
(30 km).
High Fluid Level
Type A Type B
Fluid levels above the safe range may
result in transmission failure. An overfill
condition of transmission fluid may cause
shift and engagement concerns, and
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an
overheating condition.
Adjusting Automatic Transmission
Fluid Levels
Note:
Use of a non-approved automatic
transmission fluid may cause internal
transmission component damage.
Before adding any fluid, make sure the
correct type is used. The type of fluid used
is normally indicated on:
• the dipstick handle.
• See 
Capacities and Specifications
(page 190).
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							If necessary, add fluid in 8  (250 ml)
increments through the filler tube until the
level is correct.
Type A Type B
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid should be
removed by a qualified technician.
Note:
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and engagement
concerns, and possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission
fluid additives, treatments or cleaning
agents. The use of these materials may
affect transmission operation and result
in damage to internal transmission
components. Automatic Transmission Fluid
Filter
Your automatic transmission is equipped
with a serviceable transmission fluid filter
located inside the transmission bottom
pan. For service intervals for the automatic
transmission fluid and transmission filter,
See Scheduled Maintenance (page 266).
For transmission filter maintenance, see
your authorized dealer.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
Fluid levels between the MIN and MAX
lines are within the normal operating range;
there is no need to add fluid. If the fluid
levels are outside of the normal operating
range, the performance of the system
could be compromised; seek service from
your authorized dealer immediately.
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
WARNINGS
A fluid level between the MAX and
MIN lines is within the normal
operating range and there is no need
to add fluid. A fluid level not in the normal
operating range could compromise the
performance of the system.
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							WARNINGS
For E-350 and E-450 vehicles with
the Hydro-Boost Brake System, do
not press the brake pedal after the
engine has been turned off. Pressing the
brake pedal after the engine has been
turned off will give a false power steering
fluid level reading. Only use fluid that meets Ford
specifications.  See Capacities and
Specifications (page 196).
To top up the power steering fluid level do
the following.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating temperature.
2. Make sure the fluid is within the 
MIN
and MAX range.
3. If the fluid level is low, add fluid to be within the 
MIN and MAX range. Do not
overfill.
4. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel left and right several times.
5. Recheck the fluid level in the reservoir.
Note: Do not operate the vehicle with a low
power steering pump fluid level.
WASHER FLUID CHECK WARNING
If you operate your vehicle in
temperatures below 40°F (5°C), use
washer fluid with antifreeze
protection. Failure to use washer fluid with
antifreeze protection in cold weather could
result in impaired windshield vision and
increase the risk of injury or accident. Note:
The front and rear washer systems
are supplied from the same reservoir. Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level is
low. Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specifications.  See 
Capacities and
Specifications (page 190).
State or local regulations on volatile
organic compounds may restrict the use
of methanol, a common windshield washer
antifreeze additive. Washer fluids
containing non-methanol antifreeze
agents should be used only if they provide
cold weather protection without damaging
the vehicle ’s paint finish, wiper blades or
washer system.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime
fuel filter that is integrated with the fuel
tank. Regular maintenance or replacement
is not needed.
CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY WARNINGS
This vehicle may be fitted with more
than one battery, removal of cable
from only one battery does not
disconnect the vehicle electrical system.
Be sure to disconnect cables from all
batteries when disconnecting power.
Failure to do so may cause serious
personal injury or property damage. Batteries normally produce explosive
gases which can cause personal
injury. Therefore, do not allow
flames, sparks or lighted substances to
come near the battery. When working near
the battery, always shield your face and
protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
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							WARNINGS
When lifting a plastic-cased battery,
excessive pressure on the end walls
could cause acid to flow through the
vent caps, resulting in personal injury
and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or
with your hands on opposite corners. Keep batteries out of reach of
children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or
clothing. Shield your eyes when working
near the battery to protect against possible
splashing of acid solution. In case of acid
contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of
15 minutes and get prompt medical
attention. If acid is swallowed, call a
physician immediately. Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after
handling. Note:
If your vehicle battery has a cover,
make sure it is reinstalled after the battery
has been cleaned or replaced.
Note: Electrical or electronic accessories
or components added to the vehicle by the
dealer or the owner may adversely affect
battery performance and durability.
Your vehicle is fitted with a Motorcraft®
maintenance-free battery which normally
does not require additional water during
its life of service.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the
top of the battery clean and dry. Also,
make certain the battery cables are always
tightly fastened to the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or
terminals, remove the cables from the
terminals and clean with a wire brush. You
can neutralize the acid with a solution of
baking soda and water. Always dispose of automotive batteries in
a responsible manner. Follow your local
authorized standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center to find
out more about recycling automotive
batteries.
Reconnecting the Battery
Because your vehicle
’s engine is
electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained
by power from the battery. When the
battery is disconnected or a new battery
is installed, the engine must relearn its idle
and fuel trim strategy for optimum
driveability and performance. Flexible fuel
vehicles (FFV) must also relearn the
ethanol content of the fuel for optimum
driveability and performance.
To begin this process.
1. Switch off all accessories and start the
engine.
2. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
3. Allow the engine to idle for at least one
minute.
4. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Fully press the foot brake. Release the parking brake. Shift the gearshift lever
to Drive (D) and allow the engine to
idle for at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle for approximately 10 mi (16 km) to complete the
relearning process.
Note: If you do not carry out the above
process, the idle quality of your vehicle may
be adversely affected until the idle trim is
eventually relearned.
Flexible fuel vehicles operating on E85 may
experience poor starts and driveability
problems until the fuel trim and ethanol
content have been relearned.
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							When the battery is disconnected or a new
battery installed, the transmission must
learn its adaptive strategy. As a result of
this, the transmission may shift firmly. This
operation is considered normal and fully
updates transmission operation to its
optimum shift feel. We recommend that
the negative battery cable terminal be
disconnected from the battery if you plan
to store your vehicle for an extended period
of time. This minimizes the discharge of
your battery during storage.
Dual Batteries (If Equipped)
Your vehicle may be fitted with a
frame-mounted battery located on the
passenger side frame rail, behind the front
passenger door. This battery is connected
in parallel with the battery in the engine
compartment. Both batteries are used to
start the vehicle.
CHECKING THE WIPER
BLADES Run the tip of your fingers over the edge of
the blade to check for roughness.
Clean the wiper blades with washer fluid
or water applied with a soft sponge or
cloth. CHANGING THE WIPER
BLADES
You can manually move the wiper arms
when the ignition is off. This allows for ease
of blade replacement and cleaning under
the blades.
1. Pull the wiper blade and arm away
from the glass. 2. Release the wiper blade lock (A) and
separate the wiper blade from the
wiper arm.
3. Install in the reverse order.
Note: Make sure that the wiper blade locks
into place. Lower the wiper arm and blade
back on the windshield. The wiper arms will
automatically return to their normal position
when you turn the ignition on.
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							•
Replace wiper blades at least once per
year for optimum performance.
• You can improve poor wiper quality by
cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield.
ADJUSTING THE HEADLAMPS
We properly aim the headlamps on your
vehicle at the assembly plant. If your
vehicle has been in an accident, have an
authorized dealed check the alignment of
your headlamps.
Vertical and Horizontal Aim
Adjustment (Sealed Beam
Headlamps)
Use the mechanical aimers on your vehicle
to aim the headlamps. If mechanical
aimers are used and the cross-car sight
line is in any way blocked, set the legs of
the universal adaptor all to the same
setting, such that the cross-car sight line
is no longer blocked (per the instructions
for the brand of mechanical aimer you are
using). You can also aim the headlamps
visually using the procedure below. 8 feet (2.4 meters).
A
Center height of lamp to ground.
B
25 feet (7.6 meters).
C
Horizontal reference line.
D Vertical reference line for the
center of the headlamp.
E
Vertical reference line for the
center of the vehicle.
F
To adjust the headlamps:
1. Park your vehicle on a level surface about 25 feet (7.6 meters) away from
a vertical plain surface. Check your
headlamp alignment at night or in a
dark area so that you can see the
headlamp beam pattern.
2. The center of the headlamp is marked
either on the lens (a circle or cross
marker) or on the bulb shield, internal
to the lamp (mark or feature). Measure
the height from the center of your
headlamp to the ground (B) and mark
an 8 foot (2.4 meter) long horizontal
line on the wall or screen (D) at this
height (masking tape works well).
3. Turn on the low beam headlamps and open the hood. 4. Locate the high intensity area of the
beam pattern and place the top edge
of the intensity zone even with the
horizontal reference line (D). If the top
edge of the high intensity area is not
even with the horizontal line, follow the
next step to adjust it.
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