Your vehicle is equipped with two or three maintenance-free batteries
mounted in a covered tray located on the left frame rail. The covered
battery tray, depending upon application, may also have one or two steps
attached.
Covered battery tray shown
(battery tray with steps
similar).
The two rubber straps on
top of the cover must be pulled up
and moved to the side of the
battery in order to remove the lid.
Battery tray with cover
removed.
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.
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.
If the engine cranks but does not start, remove the battery box cover
and check the 40 amp inline fuse located on the battery cable above the
battery.
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. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in position
P
(automatic transmission) or neutral
(manual transmission), 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.
234
Maintenance
2013 F-650/750
(f67)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, March 2013
USA
(fus)