Ford E-350 (2012 year). Manual — part 65

Engine oil and filter recommendations

Look for this certification
trademark.

Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil

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 Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee (ILSAC), comprised of U.S. and Japanese
automobile manufacturers.

To protect your engine and engine’s warranty, use Motorcraft

威 SAE

5W-20 or an equivalent SAE 5W-20 oil meeting Ford specification
WSS-M2C945-A. SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum fuel economy and
durability performance meeting all requirements for your
vehicle’s engine. Refer to Maintenance product specifications and
capacities later in this chapter for more information.

Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, cleaners or other engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that
is not covered by Ford warranty.

Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in the scheduled maintenance information.

Ford production and Motorcraft

威 replacement oil filters are designed for

added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.

It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft

威 oil filter or

another with equivalent performance for your engine application.

Maintenance and Specifications

262

BATTERY

Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft

威 maintenance-free

battery which normally does not
require additional water during its
life of service.

WARNING: This vehicle may be equipped 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.

If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.

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.

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
will fully update transmission operation to its optimum shift feel.

It is recommended 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 will minimize the discharge of your battery
during storage.

Note: Electrical or electronic accessories or components added to
the vehicle by the dealer or the owner may adversely affect
battery performance and durability.

Maintenance and Specifications

263

WARNING: 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.

WARNING: 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.

WARNING: 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.

WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.

For information on transmission operation after the battery has been
disconnected, refer to Automatic transmission operation in the
Driving chapter.

Dual battery (if equipped)

Your vehicle may be equipped 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.

Maintenance and Specifications

264

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. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.

2. Put the gearshift in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.

3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.

4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.

5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.

6. Release the parking brake. With your foot on the brake pedal and with
the A/C on, put the vehicle in D (Drive) and allow the engine to idle for
at least one minute.

7. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
• The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles (16 km) or more to

relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy along with the ethanol content
for flexible fuel vehicles.

• If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle

quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.

• For flexible fuel vehicles, if you are operating on E85, you may

experience poor starts or an inability to start the engine and
driveability problems until the fuel trim and ethanol content have been
relearned.

If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and radio settings must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.

Maintenance and Specifications

265