Ford Transit (2018 year). Manual — part 30

Engine Glow Plugs

The powertrain control and glow
plug control modules operate
the glow plug system.

The glow plug control module using the
engine coolant temperature, barometric
pressure sensor and the environmental
temperature sensor will determine how
long the glow plugs stay energized. The
required time for the glow plugs to remain
energized will decrease as the engine
coolant temperature, barometric pressure
and the environmental temperature
increases.

When you switch the ignition on, the glow
plug indicator lamp will illuminate if glow
plug heat is necessary as a starting aid.
Wait until the glow plug indicator lamp
turns off before starting the engine. The
lamp should always momentarily
illuminate when the engine is cold and you
switch the ignition on.

Cold Weather Operation

In cold weather below 32°F (0°C), the
engine may slowly increase to a higher idle
speed if left idling in park (P). As the engine
warms-up, the engine sound level
decreases due to the activation of
powertrain control module controlled
sound reduction features.

It is recommended that the engine block
heater be used for starting when the
temperature is -9°F (-23°C) or colder. See
Engine Block Heater (page 124).

Note: Idling in cold weather does not heat
the engine to its normal operating
temperature. Long periods of idling,
especially in cold weather, can cause a
buildup of deposits which can cause engine
damage.

Starting a Cold or Hot Engine

1.

Fully depress the brake pedal.

2. Shift into park (P) or neutral (N).

Note: Do not touch the accelerator pedal.

3. Turn the key to the on position and wait

until the glow plug indicator lamp turns
off.

4. Turn the key to the start position to

start your vehicle.

5. Release the key.

Note: You may need to crank the engine for
up to 10 seconds when the outside air
temperature is 5°F (-15°C) or below.

Note: Engine power may be reduced for 15
seconds when the engine oil temperature
is -9°F (-23°C) or below. This is to allow
the turbocharger to be lubricated.

Note: If the engine fails to start after a
number of attempts, the system will not
allow you to operate the starter for a short
period of time, for example 30 minutes.

Failure to Start

If the engine does not crank with the key
turned to the start position while the brake
pedal is fully depressed, do the following:

1.

Switch the ignition off.

Note: Make sure the parking brake is fully
applied.

2. Release the brake pedal.

3. Fully depress the brake pedal.

Note: Do not touch the accelerator pedal.

4. Turn the key to the on position and wait

until the glow plug indicator lamp turns
off.

5. Turn the key to the start position to

start your vehicle.

6. Release the key.

SWITCHING OFF THE ENGINE

Vehicles With a Turbocharger

WARNING

Do not switch the engine off when it
is running at high speed. If you do, the
turbocharger will continue running

after the engine oil pressure has dropped
to zero. This will lead to premature
turbocharger bearing wear.

Release the accelerator pedal. Wait until
the engine has reached idle speed and then
switch it off.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

(If

Equipped)

WARNINGS

Failure to follow engine block heater
instructions could result in property
damage or serious personal injury.

Do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or
two-pronged adapters. There is a risk

of electrical shock.

Do not fully close the hood, or allow
it to drop under its own weight when
using the engine block heater. This

could damage the power cable and may
cause an electrical short resulting in fire,
injury and property damage.

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 AC
electrical source.

We recommend that you do the following
for a safe and correct operation:
•

Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord
that is product certified by
Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or
Canadian Standards Association
(CSA). This extension cord must be
suitable for use outdoors, in cold
temperatures, and be clearly marked
Suitable for Use with Outdoor
Appliances. Do not use an indoor
extension cord outdoors. This 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 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 starting and
driving your vehicle. Make sure the
protective cover seals the prongs of the
block heater cord plug when not in use.

•

Make sure the heater system is
checked for proper operation before
winter.

Using the Engine Block Heater

Make sure the receptacle terminals are
clean and dry prior to use. Clean them with
a dry cloth if necessary.

The heater uses 0.4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours
of energy per hour of use. The system does
not have a thermostat. It achieves
maximum temperature after
approximately three hours of operation.
Using the heater longer than three hours
does not improve system performance and
unnecessarily uses electricity.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

WARNINGS

Do not overfill the fuel tank. The
pressure in an overfilled tank may
cause leakage and lead to fuel spray

and fire.

The fuel system may be under
pressure. If you hear a hissing sound
near the fuel filler inlet, do not refuel

until the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out, which could cause serious
personal injury.

Fuels can cause serious injury or
death if misused or mishandled.

Fuel may contain benzene, which is
a cancer-causing agent.

When refueling always shut the
engine off and never allow sparks or
open flames near the fuel tank filler

valve. Never smoke or use a cell phone
while refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely
hazardous under certain conditions. Avoid
inhaling excess fumes.

Follow these guidelines when refueling:
•

Extinguish all smoking materials and
any open flames before refueling your
vehicle.

•

Always switch the engine off before
refueling.

•

Automotive fuels can be harmful or
fatal if swallowed. Fuel is highly toxic
and if swallowed can cause death or
permanent injury. If fuel is swallowed
immediately call a physician, even if no
symptoms are immediately apparent.
The toxic effects of fuel may not be
apparent for hours.

•

Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling fuel
vapor can lead to eye and respiratory
tract irritation. In severe cases,
excessive or prolonged breathing of
fuel vapor can cause serious illness and
permanent injury.

•

Avoid getting fuel in your eyes. If you
splash fuel in your eyes, immediately
remove contact lenses (if worn), flush
with water for 15 minutes and seek
medical attention. Failure to seek
proper medical attention could lead to
permanent injury.

•

Fuels can be harmful if absorbed
through the skin. If you splash fuel on
your skin, clothing or both, promptly
remove contaminated clothing and
thoroughly wash your skin with soap
and water. Repeated or prolonged skin
contact causes skin irritation.

•

Be particularly careful if you are taking
Antabuse or other forms of Disulfiram
for the treatment of alcoholism.
Breathing fuel vapors could cause an
adverse reaction, serious personal
injury or sickness. Immediately call a
physician if you experience any adverse
reactions.