Ford E-350 (2010 year). Manual — part 69

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.

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

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.

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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.

Auxiliary battery (if equipped)

Your vehicle may be equipped with a frame-mounted auxiliary battery
located on the passenger side frame rail, behind the front passenger
door. This auxiliary battery is connected to the auxiliary battery relay, so
it is not used to start the vehicle.

Battery relearn

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:

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278

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.
• 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.

L

E

A

D

RETURN

RECYCLE

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279

ENGINE COOLANT

Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
intervals listed in scheduled maintenance information. The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and distilled water,
which equates to a freeze point of -34°F (-36°C). Coolant concentration
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester. The level of
coolant should be maintained at the FULL COLD level or within the
COLD FILL RANGE in the coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add
coolant per the instructions in the Adding engine coolant section.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly. A
50/50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
• Freeze protection down to -34°F (-36°C).

• Boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).

• Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.

• Proper function of calibrated gauges.
When the engine is cold, check the
level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.

• The engine coolant should be at the FULL COLD level or within the

COLD FILL RANGE as listed on the engine coolant reservoir
(depending upon application).

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280