Ford E-350 (2018 year). Manual — part 18

GENERAL INFORMATION

WARNINGS

Extended idling at high engine
speeds can produce very high
temperatures in the engine and

exhaust system, creating the risk of fire or
other damage.

Do not park, idle or drive your vehicle
on dry grass or other dry ground
cover. The emission system heats up

the engine compartment and exhaust
system, creating the risk of fire.

Do not start the engine in a closed
garage or in other enclosed areas.
Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always

open the garage door before you start the
engine.

Exhaust leaks may result in entry of
harmful and potentially lethal fumes
into the passenger compartment. If

you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your vehicle inspected
immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.

If you disconnect the battery, your vehicle
may exhibit some unusual driving
characteristics for approximately 5 mi
(8 km) after you reconnect it. This is
because the engine management system
must realign itself with the engine. You
can disregard any unusual driving
characteristics during this period.

The powertrain control system meets all
Canadian interference-causing equipment
standard requirements regulating the
impulse electrical field or radio noise.

When you start the engine, avoid pressing
the accelerator pedal before and during
operation. Only use the accelerator pedal
when you have difficulty starting the
engine.

IGNITION SWITCH

E161572

D

E

C

B

A

A (accessory) - Allows the electrical
accessories, such as the radio, to operate
while the engine is not running.

Note: Do not leave the ignition key in this
position for too long. This could cause your
vehicle battery to lose charge.

B (lock) - Locks the gearshift lever and
allows key removal.

C (off) - The ignition is off.

Note: When you switch the ignition off and
leave your vehicle, do not leave your key in
the ignition. This could cause your vehicle
battery to lose charge.

D (on) - All electrical circuits are
operational and the warning lamps and
indicators illuminate.

E (start) - Cranks the engine.

STARTING A GASOLINE
ENGINE

When you start the engine, the idle speed
increases, this helps to warm up the
engine. If the engine idle speed does not
slow down automatically, have your
vehicle checked by an authorized dealer.

Before starting the engine check the
following:
•

Make sure all occupants have fastened
their safety belts.

•

Make sure the headlamps and
electrical accessories are off.

•

Make sure the parking brake is on.

•

Make sure the transmission is in park
(P) or neutral (N).

•

Turn the ignition key to the on position.

Note: Do not touch the accelerator pedal.

1.

Fully press the brake pedal.

2. Turn the key to the start position to

start the engine. Release the key when
the engine starts.

Note: The engine may continue cranking
for up to 15 seconds or until it starts.

Note: If you cannot start the engine on the
first try, wait for a short period and try again.

Failure to Start

If you cannot start the engine after three
attempts, wait 10 seconds and follow this
procedure:

1.

Fully press the brake pedal.

2. Fully press the accelerator pedal and

hold it there.

3. Start the engine.

Stopping the Engine When Your
Vehicle is Stationary

1.

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

2. Turn the key to the off position.

3. Apply the parking brake.

Stopping the Engine When Your
Vehicle is Moving

WARNING

Switching off the engine when the
vehicle is still moving will result in a
loss of brake and steering assistance.

The steering will not lock, but higher effort
will be required. When the ignition is
switched off, some electrical circuits,
including air bags, warning lamps and
indicators may also be off. If the ignition
was turned off accidentally, you can shift
into neutral (N) and re-start the engine.

1.

Put the transmission into neutral (N)
and use the brakes to bring your vehicle
to a safe stop.

2. When your vehicle has stopped, shift

into park (P) or neutral (N) and switch
the ignition off.

3. Apply the parking brake.

Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes

WARNING

If you smell exhaust fumes inside
your vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by your authorized dealer

immediately. Do not drive your vehicle if
you smell exhaust fumes. Carbon
monoxide is present in exhaust fumes.
Take precautions to avoid its dangerous
effects.

Important Ventilating Information

If you stop your vehicle and then leave the
engine idling for long periods of time, we
recommend that you do one of the
following:

•

Open the windows at least 1 in (3 cm).

•

Set your climate control to outside air.

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.

FUEL QUALITY - E85

Choosing the Right Fuel - Flex Fuel
Vehicles

Flex fuel vehicles have one of the following
identifiers:
•

Yellow fuel filler cap.

•

Yellow bezel around the fuel filler inlet.

•

Yellow fuel filler housing.

•

Yellow E85 label on the fuel tank filler
door.