1997 FORD E SERIES check transmission fluid

ENGINE COMPARTMENT
COMPONENTS
1. Windshield washer fluid
reservoir
2. Engine oil filler
3. Automatic transmission fluid
dipstick
4. Air cleaner
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Brake master cylinder
8. Engine coolant recovery
reservoir
9. Battery
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Maintenance and care
129

CHECKING AND ADDING
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
Service the automatic transmission
according to the scheduled
intervals in the9Service Guide.9
Before adding any fluid, make sure
the correct type will be used. This
information is indicated on the
dipstick.
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is below the bottom hole on
the blade type dipstick (4R70W
transmission) or below the COLD
area on the bullet type dipstick
(E4OD transmission) and outside
temperatures are above 10ÉC
(50ÉF).
Your vehicle does not use up
transmission fluid. However, it is
recommended that you check the
transmission fluid at least twice a
year. The fluid level should be
checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the
transmission slips or shifts slowly
or if you notice some sign of fluid
leakage.
It is preferable to check the
transmission fluid level at normal
operating temperature, after
approximately 32 km (20 miles) of
driving. However, you can check
the fluid level without driving to
obtain a normal operating
temperature if the outside
temperature is above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
If your vehicle has been operated
for an extended period at high
Maintenance and care
141

speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the
vehicle should be turned off for
about 30 minutes to allow the fluid
to cool before checking.
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface.
2. Start the engine and move the
gearshift lever through all of the
gear ranges. Allow sufficient time
for each gear to engage.
3. Latch the gearshift lever in P
(Park), set the parking brake and
leave the engine running.
4. Remove the dipstick, wiping it
clean with a clean, dry rag.
5. Install the dipstick.
6. Remove the dipstick and inspect
the fluid level.
For 4R70W transmissions, the fluid
level should be within the
crosshatched area, or if the vehicle
has not been driven, between the
holes near the bottom of the
indicator.
P RN 21D
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA - CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
Maintenance and care
142

checking the pressure ............153
replacing ...........................116,155
rotating ....................................155
snow tires and chains ............156
spare tire .................................112
tire grades ...............................151
treadwear ................................151
Towing your vehicle .................123
Trailer towing ..............................94
safety chains .............................96
tips .............................................97
trailer brakes .............................96
trailer lamps ..............................96
Transmission
automatic operation .................83
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................141
Trip odometer .............................14Turn signal
indicator lights ..........................10
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................181
Ventilating your vehicle .............79
Voltmeter (see Battery voltage
gauge) ..........................................13
Warning chimes ...........................11
headlamps on ............................11
key in ignition ...........................11
safety belt .................................11
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Washer fluid ..............................135
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ........................................149
checking and replacing wiper
blades ......................................150
operation ...................................27
Index
185