2008 Ford F350 Owner Guide Supplement 2nd Printing - Page 3

messages displayed with extended idle operation DRIVE TO CLEAN EXHAUST FILTER • Directs the vehicle operator to drive the vehicle above 30 mph (48 km/h) for at least 20 minutes continuously subject to traffic laws • Message will continue to be displayed until adequate drive cycle is completed • This is a NORMAL message CLEANING EXHAUST FILTER • Informs the vehicle operator that he or she has entered the cleaning mode through appropriate driving conditions • This is a NORMAL message EXHAUST FILTER DRIVE COMPLETE • Informs the vehicle operator that he or she has completed an adequate drive cycle in order to clean the DPF • Will be a short four (4) second display in the Message Center • This is a NORMAL message The diesel particulate filter (DPF), an inline filter in the exhaust system, reduces carbon emissions by trapping exhaust particles before they reach the tailpipe. The DPF looks similar to a traditional exhaust catalyst, except larger, and is part of the exhaust system under the vehicle. Once the DPF is full of these particles, the engine control module will command the exhaust system to clean the DPF through a process called regeneration. Regeneration requires the engine computer to raise the exhaust temperature to eliminate the particles. During cleaning, the particles are converted to harmless gasses, and the DPF will then be clean and ready to continue trapping exhaust particles. Similar to any vehicle, Ford recommends that you do not operate the vehicle in a closed garage or other enclosed area during regeneration to avoid exhaust fumes, which may be toxic. The regeneration process operates more efficiently when the vehicle is safely operated at least 30 mph (48 km/h) with a steady pedal for approximately 20 minutes to complete the process. The frequency and duration of regeneration will fluctuate as both are determined by how you drive your vehicle, outside air temperature, and altitude. For most driving, regeneration frequency will vary from 100 - 668 miles (161 - 1075 km) between occurrences and each occurrence will last from 10 - 40 minutes. The duration of regeneration is usually reduced if a constant speed above 30 mph (48 km/h) is maintained. When the engine control module detects that the DPF is nearly full of particulates and that the vehicle is not being operated in a manner to allow effective automatic cleaning, the Message Center (located in the instrument cluster) will display several messages guiding the vehicle operator to drive to clean the DPF. If the vehicle is operated in a manner to allow effective automatic cleaning, the Message Center will display "Cleaning Exhaust Filter", which is the normal regeneration process. Once the "Drive to Clean Exhaust Filter" message is displayed, operator attention is required. Conditions such as idling can be tolerated for up to four hours, once this message is displayed. If this message is ignored, your vehicle is being operated in a manner that will continue to fill the DPF. As a result, the DPF may become full of particles. If this occurs, the "Reduced Engine Power" light will illuminate and engine power will be limited. Your message center will also display "Reduced Engine Power". The engine control module will continue to attempt to clean the filter. If the filter cannot be cleaned, the "Service Engine Soon" light will be illuminated and engine power will be further limited. Dealer service will then be required to restore your vehicle to full power operation. If the DPF needs to be serviced or replaced, the "Service Engine Soon" light and/or "Reduced Engine Power" light will illuminate in the instrument cluster. Take your vehicle to your authorized Ford dealer for service. If the vehicle is brought to an idle during the regeneration process, the operator may notice an increase in engine idle speed and engine tone. This is normal and due to the DPF being cleaned. After about five minutes of continuous idle, the regeneration process will be discontinued and there may be a noticeable change in engine sound. 100769_08b_Diesel_Brochure_041108.indd 4-5 6/2/08 2:41:45 PM