F 450 2WD Super Duty V8-6.0L DSL Turbo VIN P (2006)
Air Filter Restriction Sensor / Switch: Description and Operation
ELECTRONIC AIR FILTER RESTRICTION GAUGE
Air Filter Restriction Indicator (F-SuperDuty/Excursion)
F-SuperDuty and Excursion vehicles are equipped with an electronic air filter restriction gauge located in the air cleaner cover on the clean side of the air
filter. The sensor is hardwired to the instrument cluster. When air flow in the air inlet system reaches the maximum allowable restriction limit, a switch
will close and the filter restriction indicator will illuminate.
The restriction gauge, located on the upper housing of the air cleaner assembly, measures the vacuum inside the air cleaner. The more the air cleaner is
restricted (dirty, clogged), the higher the vacuum reading Check the air filter restriction gauge whenever the hood is raised to perform general engine
maintenance at least every 7,500 miles (12,000 km). If the vehicle is operated in extremely dusty conditions, check the gauge at least every 500 miles
(800 km), or two weeks, whichever comes first. Change the air filter when the gauge reads 25 inches (635 mm). Engine performance and fuel economy
are adversely affected when the maximum restriction is reached. Blowing-out the air filter element with compressed air is not recommended as the
compressed air may damage the filter paper.
Note: It is not possible to determine the level of filter clogging by visual appearance alone. A filter which appears to be dirty may actually have several
thousand miles (kilometers) of life remaining. Always use the underhood air filter restriction gauge to determine when the air filter element needs to be
changed. The warning light on the instrument cluster should not be used exclusively for determining when the air filter element needs changing.
After installation of the new filter element,
reset the gauge by pressing the reset button on top of the gauge.
Note: If the vehicle is operated in a heavy snow storm, in blowing snow or the vehicle is equipped with a snowplow, the engine air filter element may
become partially clogged with snow and/or ice. If this occurs, the engine may experience a significant reduction in power output. The vehicle may be
driven under these conditions for up to 100 miles (160 km) without damage to the engine or related components. At the earliest opportunity, clear all
snow and ice from the air induction system and reset the restriction gauge by pressing the button on the end
of the gauge. If the air filter restriction gauge reads 25 inches (635 mm)
after clearing snow and/or ice, then replace the filter. Reset filter
restriction gauge after changing the air filter element.The air filter warning light on the instrument cluster may be used, in addition to the underhood
restriction gauge, to monitor the condition of the air filter element.
