2025 FORD E-350 Engine Oil and Fluids User Guide

2025 FORD E-350 Engine Oil and Fluids User Manual

Presenting the 2025 Ford E-350’s extensive engine oil and fluids system, a crucial part that guarantees top performance and extended life for this adaptable car. The E-350’s engine oil and fluid management, from its painstakingly designed lubrication system to its perfectly regulated fluid levels, are essential to preserving the best possible engine health and efficiency. Ford’s dedication to quality is evident in every facet of the E-350’s oil and fluid management system, with an emphasis on dependability and durability, offering drivers confidence and peace of mind while driving.

2023 – 2024 FORD F-SERIES SUPER DUTY Review, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)

FORD ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK

• Minimum.
• Nominal.
• Maximum.

ENGINE OIL CHECK

1. Make sure that your vehicle is on level ground.
2. Check the oil level before starting the engine, or switch the engine off after warm up and wait 15 minutes for the oil to drain into the oil pan.
   Note: Checking the oil level too soon could result in an inaccurate reading.
3. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean, lint-free cloth.
4. Reinstall the dipstick and make sure it is fully seated.
5. Remove the dipstick again to check the oil level.

Note: Read both sides of the dipstick and use the lowest oil level as the correct reading.

Note: If the oil level is between the maximum and minimum marks, the oil level is acceptable. Do not add oil.

1. If the oil level is at the minimum mark, immediately add oil.
2. Reinstall the dipstick. Make sure it is fully seated.

Note: The oil consumption of new engines reaches its normal level after approximately 3,000 mi (5,000 km).

Note: Increases in oil level can occur from frequent short trips that do not allow the engine to get to operating temperature, as well as frequent idling or low speed driving for long periods of time.

Note: If oil levels are continuously noted above the maximum mark, schedule a visit to your authorized dealer.

Adding Engine Oil

WARNING: Do not add engine oil when the engine is hot. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury.

WARNING: Do not remove the filler cap when the engine is running.

Do not use supplemental engine oil additives because they are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that the vehicle warranty may not cover.

1. Clean the area surrounding the engine oil filler cap before you remove it.
2. Remove the engine oil filler cap.
3. Add engine oil that meets our specifications.
4. Reinstall the engine oil filler cap and turn it clockwise until you feel a strong resistance.

Note: Do not add oil further than the maximum mark. Oil levels above the maximum mark may cause engine damage.

Note: Immediately soak up any oil spillage with an absorbent cloth.

Engine Oil Pressure Warning Lamp

WARNING: If it illuminates when you are driving do not continue your journey, even if the oil level is correct. Have your vehicle checked.

It illuminates when you switch the ignition on. If it illuminates when the engine is running this indicates a malfunction. Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so and switch the engine off. Check the engine oil level. If the oil level is sufficient, this indicates a system malfunction. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

OIL CHANGE INDICATOR RESET Owner’s Manual

Base Cluster
Use the information display controls on the steering wheel to reset the oil change indicator.

From the main menu scroll to:

High Series Cluster
Use the information display controls on the steering wheel to reset the oil change indicator.

From the main menu scroll to:

CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR FILTER

WARNING: To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and personal burn injuries, do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not remove it while the engine is running.

Note: Failure to use the correct air filter element may result in severe engine damage. The customer warranty may be void for any damage to the engine if the correct air filter element is not used. When changing the air filter element, use only the air filter element listed. See Motorcraft Parts. The air filter element should be replaced at the appropriate intervals.

1. Release the clips (x2) that secure the two halves of the air filter housing together.
2. Carefully separate the two halves of the air filter housing.
3. Remove the air filter element from the housing.
4. Install the new filter element. Be careful to put the filter seal on top of the tray, making sure that the seal is not pushed down into the tray. This could cause filter damage and allow unfiltered air to enter the engine if not properly seated.
5. Install the air filter housing cover. Use special care to ensure that the air cleaner cover is reinstalled correctly. Verify that the tabs at the rear of the air cleaner housing cover are fully inserted into the slots at the rear of the air cleaner housing tray.
6. Secure the air filter housing clips (x2).

ENGINE COOLANT CHECK

WARNING: Do not remove the coolant reservoir cap when the engine is on or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10 minutes for the cooling system to cool down. Cover the coolant reservoir cap with a thick cloth to prevent the possibility of scalding and slowly remove the cap. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury.

WARNING: 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.

When the engine is cold, check the concentration and level of the coolant at the intervals listed in the scheduled maintenance information.

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. Maintain coolant concentration within 48% to 50%, which equates to a freeze point between -29°F (-34°C) and -35°F (-37°C). Use a refractometer to check coolant concentration. Do not use hydrometers or coolant test strips for measuring coolant concentration.

Adding Coolant

WARNING: Do not add coolant when the vehicle is on or the cooling system is hot. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury.

WARNING: Do not put coolant in the windshield washer reservoir. If sprayed on the windshield, coolant could make it difficult to see through the windshield.

WARNING: Do not remove the coolant reservoir cap when the engine is on or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10 minutes for the cooling system to cool down. Cover the coolant reservoir cap with a thick cloth to prevent the possibility of scalding and slowly remove the cap. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury.

WARNING: Do not add coolant further than the MAX mark.

Note: Automotive fluids are not interchangeable. Do not use coolant or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified function and vehicle location.

Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, cooling system sealants, or non-specified additives as they can cause damage to the engine cooling or heating systems. Resulting component damage may not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

Always use prediluted coolant approved to the correct specification to avoid plugging the small passageways in the engine cooling system. See Capacities and Specifications (page 226). Do not mix different colors or types of coolant in your vehicle. Mixing of engine coolants or using an incorrect coolant may harm the engine or cooling system components and may not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

Note: If prediluted coolant is not available, use the approved concentrated coolant diluting it to 50/50 with distilled water. See Capacities and Specifications (page 226). Using water that has not been deionized may contribute to deposit formation, corrosion and plugging of the small cooling system passageways.

Note: Coolants marketed for all makes and models may not be approved to Ford specifications and may damage the cooling system. Resulting component damage may not be covered by the vehicle warranty. If the coolant level is at or below the minimum mark, add prediluted coolant immediately.

Top up the coolant level as follows:

1. Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure escapes as you unscrew the cap.
2. Add prediluted coolant approved to the correct specification.
3. Add enough prediluted coolant to reach the correct level.
4. Replace the coolant reservoir cap. Turn the cap clockwise until it contacts the hard stop.
5. Check the coolant level the next few times you drive your vehicle.

If necessary, add enough prediluted engine coolant to bring the coolant level to the correct level. If you have to add more than 1.1 qt (1 L) of engine coolant per month, have your vehicle checked as soon as possible. Operating an engine with a low coolant level can result in engine overheating and possible engine damage.

Note: During normal vehicle operation, the coolant may change color, and slightly darken. As long as the coolant is clear and uncontaminated, this color change does not indicate the coolant has degraded nor doesit require the coolant to be drained, the system to be flushed, or the coolant to be replaced.

In case of emergency, you can add a large amount of water without coolant to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, qualified personnel:

1. Must drain the cooling system.
2. Chemically clean the coolant system.
3. Refill with coolant that meets the correct specification.

Water alone, without coolant, can causeengine damage from corrosion, overheating or freezing.

Do not use the following as a coolant substitute:

• Alcohol.
• Methanol.
• Brine.
• Any coolant mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze.

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 coolant.

Recycled Coolant
We do not recommend the use of recycled coolant as an approved recycling process is not yet available. Dispose of used engine coolant 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 increase the coolant concentration above 50%.
• A coolant concentration of 60% provides improved freeze-point protection. Coolant concentrations above 60% decrease the overheat protection characteristics of the coolant and may cause engine damage.

If you drive in extremely hot climates:

• You can decrease the coolant concentration to 40%.
• Coolant concentrations below 40% decrease the freeze and corrosion protection characteristics of the coolant and may cause engine damage.

Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use prediluted coolant for optimum cooling system and engine protection.

Coolant Change
Change the engine coolant at the specific mileage intervals listed in scheduled maintenance.

Fail-Safe Cooling
Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarily drive your vehicle before any incremental component damage occurs. The fail-safe distance depends on ambient temperature, vehicle load and terrain.

How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat, the coolant temperature gauge moves toward the red zone.

A warning lamp illuminates and a message may appear in the instrument cluster display.

 

If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, it automatically switches to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.

When this occurs, your vehicle still operates, however:

• Engine power is limited.
• The air conditioning system turns off.

Continued operation increases the engine temperature, causing the engine to completely shut down. Your steering and braking effort increases in this situation. When the engine temperature cools, you can restart the engine. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible to minimize engine damage.

When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated
WARNING: 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 will have limited
power, will not be able to maintain high-speed operation, and may completely shut down without warning, potentially losing engine power, power steering assist, and power brake assist, which may increase the possibility of a crash resulting in serious injury.

WARNING: Do not remove the coolant reservoir cap when the engine is on or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10 minutes for the cooling system to cool down. Cover the coolant reservoir cap with a thick cloth to prevent the possibility of scalding and slowly remove the cap. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury.

Your vehicle has limited engine power when in fail-safe mode, drive your vehicle with caution. Your vehicle does not maintain high-speed operation and the engine may operate 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 the engine off.
2. If you are a member of a roadside assistance program, contact your roadside assistance service provider.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level. If the coolant level is at or below the minimum mark, add prediluted coolant immediately.
5. When the engine temperature cools, you can restart the engine. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible to minimize engine damage.

Note: Driving your vehicle without repair increases the chance of engine damage.

Engine Coolant Temperature Management (If Equipped)

WARNING: To reduce the risk of crash and injury, be prepared that the vehicle speed may reduce and the vehicle may not be able to accelerate with full power until the coolant temperature reduces.

If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, the engine may temporarily reach a higher temperature during severe operating conditions, for example ascending a long or steep slope in high ambient temperatures. At this time, you may notice the coolant temperature gauge moves toward the red zone and a message may appear in the instrument cluster display. You may notice a reduction in vehicle speed caused by reduced engine power to manage the engine coolant temperature. Your vehicle may enter this mode if certain high-temperature and high-load conditions take place. The amount of speed reduction depends on vehicle loading, grade and ambient temperature. If this occurs, there is no need to pull off the road. You can continue to drive your vehicle. The air conditioning may automatically turn on and off during severe operating conditions to protect the engine from overheating. When the coolant temperature returns to the normal operating temperature, the air conditioning turns on.

If the coolant temperature gauge moves fully into the red zone, or if the coolant temperature warning or service engine soon messages appear in your instrument cluster display, do the following:

1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and shift the transmission into the park (P).
2. Leave the engine running until the coolant temperature gauge needle returns to its normal position. If the temperature does not drop after several minutes, follow the remaining steps.
3. Switch the engine off and wait for it to cool. Check the coolant level.
4. If the coolant level is at or below the minimum mark, immediately add prediluted coolant.
5. If the coolant level is normal, restart the engine and continue driving.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID CHECK
Have an authorized dealer check and change the transmission fluid and filter at the correct service interval. 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. Your transmission does not consume fluid. However, if the transmission is not working properly, for example, if the transmission slips or shifts slowly, or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage, check the fluid level as soon as possible.

Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed.

Obtain an accurate reading as follows :

1. Drive the vehicle approximately 19 mi (30 km) to reach normal operating temperature via the transmission fluid temperature gauge on the instrument cluster.
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.
6. Install the dipstick, fully seating it 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.

Low Fluid Level

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

Drive the vehicle 19 mi (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating temperature. Check the fluid at the normal operating temperature of 196°F (91°C) to 215°F (102°C) on a level surface.

High Fluid Level

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. An overheating condition can cause high fluid levels.

Adjusting Automatic Transmission Fluid Levels

Note: Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause internal transmission component damage.

Make sure to use the correct type of fluid. You can find the type of fluid used on the transmission dipstick, or in your Owner’s Manual. If necessary, add fluid in 8 fl oz (250 ml) increments through the filler tube until the level is correct.

If an overfill occurs, have a qualified technician remove excess fluid.

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 has a serviceable transmission fluid filter inside the transmission bottom pan. For service intervals for the automatic transmission fluid and transmission filter, For transmission filter maintenance, see your authorized dealer.

BRAKE FLUID CHECK

WARNING: Do not use any fluid other than the recommended brake fluid as this will reduce brake efficiency. Use of incorrect fluid could result in the loss of vehicle control, serious personal injury or death.

WARNING: Only use brake fluid from a sealed container. Contamination with dirt, water, petroleum products or other materials may result in brake system damage or failure. Failure to adhere to this warning could result in the loss of vehicle control, serious personal injury or death.

WARNING: Do not allow the fluid to touch your skin or eyes. If this happens, rinse the affected areas immediately with plenty of water and contact your physician.

WARNING: The brake system could be affected if the brake fluid level is below the MIN mark or above the MAX mark on the brake fluid reservoir.

1. Park your vehicle on a level surface.
2. Look at the brake fluid reservoir to see where the brake fluid level is relative to the MIN and the MAX marks on the reservoir.

Note: If the brake fluid level is between the MIN and the MAX marks on the reservoir, it is acceptable.

Note: If the brake fluid level is below the MIN mark or above the MAX mark, have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

Note: To avoid fluid contamination, the reservoir cap must remain in place and fully tight, unless you are adding fluid.

Only use fluid that meets our specifications.

Brake Fluid Service Interval
Brake fluid absorbs water over time which degrades the effectiveness of the brake fluid. Change the brake fluid at the specified intervals to prevent degraded braking performance.

POWER STEERING FLUID CHECK

WARNING: 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.

WARNING: 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 Hydraulic Power Steering Fluid Capacity and Specification (page 235). 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 bewithin 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.

CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY

WARNING: This vehicle may have more than one battery. Removing the battery cables from only one battery does not disconnect your vehicle electrical system. Make sure you disconnect the battery cables from all batteries when disconnecting power. Failure to do so may cause serious personal injury or property damage.

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 correct 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 damage to the vehicle or battery. Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite corners.

FAQs

Useful Links

2023 – 2024 FORD F-SERIES SUPER DUTY Review, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)

2025 FORD E-350 Fuel and Refueling User Guide

2025 FORD E-350 Specifications User Guide