1999 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS brake fluid

Charging system
Illuminates when the ignition is
turned to the ON position and the
engine is off. The light also
illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly, requiring
electrical system service.
Brake system warning
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON
position, the engine is off and the
parking brake is engaged. If the
brake warning lamp does not
illuminate at this time, seek service immediately. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake
system should be inspected immediately.
Safety belt
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned ON to remind you
to fasten your safety belts.
Brake reserve system warning (if equipped)
Illuminates to indicate normal
Hydromax booster reserve system
activation when the engine is OFF
and the service brake pedal is
applied, or when the ignition is in
the ON or START position.
This light may also illuminate momentarily if the engine is running and
the driver turns the steering wheel fully in one direction while braking.
If the light remains on while the engine is running, this indicates
inadequate hydraulic booster pressure or reserve pump system failure.
Safely stop the vehicle as soon as possible and seek service immediately.
BRAKE
Instrumentation
5

The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensating for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during
hard braking with loss of front braking traction.
ABS warning lamp
The
ABSwarning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on and the engine is off. If the light does not
illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the
ABS needs to be serviced.
With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake system is disabled and normal
braking is still effective unless the
brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake
released. (If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle
serviced immediately).
Using ABS
•In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the ABS is
required, apply continuous full force on the brake. The ABS will be
activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full steering control
of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will enable you
to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.
•The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time necessary to apply
the brakes or always reduce stopping distance. Always leave enough
room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to stop.
•We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
Hydraulic brake booster system (Hydroboost or Hydromax)
The Hydroboost and Hydromax systems receive fluid pressure from the
power steering pump to provide power assist during braking.
Driving
26

The Hydromax booster receives backup pressure from the reserve
system electric pump whenever the fluid in the power steering system is
not flowing. When the engine is OFF, the pump will turn on if the brake
pedal is applied, or if the ignition is turned to the ON position.
The sound of the pump operating may be heard by the driver, but this is
a normal characteristic of the system.
The reserve system provides reduced braking power, so the vehicle
should be operated under these conditions with caution, and only to seek
service repair and remove the vehicle from the roadway.
For Hydromax-equipped vehicles operating under normal conditions, the
noise of the fluid flowing through the booster may be heard whenever
the brake is applied. This condition is normal. Vehicle service is not
required.
If braking performance or pedal response becomes very poor, even when
the pedal is strongly depressed, it may indicate the presence of air in the
hydraulic system or leakage of fluid. Stop the vehicle safely as soon as
possible and seek service immediately.
Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. Push pedal
downward to set the parking brake.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.
Driving
27

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingDescription
33 — Not used
34 — Not used
35 20A Body builder high beam feed, High beam
indicator
36 — Not used
37 — Not used
38 10A Body builder accessory feed (run only)
39 — Not used
40 — Not used
41 10A Instrument illumination
42 — Not used
43 — Not used
44 — Not used
Relay 1 — Left turn signal relay
Relay 2 —— Courtesy lamps relay
Relay 3 Right turn signal relay
*Vehicles with Hydromax brake assist only
Power distribution box
The power distribution box is located in the engine compartment. The
power distribution box contains high-current fuses that protect your
vehicle’s main electrical systems from overloads.
Always disconnect the battery before servicing high current
fuses.
Always replace the cover to the Power Distribution Box before
reconnecting the battery or refilling fluid reservoirs.
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, refer to the
Batterysection of theMaintenance and Carechapter.
Roadside emergencies
42

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
•We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
•We provide a Scheduled Maintenance Guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
necessary parts and service. Check your “Warranty Guide” to find out
which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•When the engine is running, make sure that loose clothing, jewelry or
long hair does not get caught up in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit material away from
the battery and all fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must “relearn” its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly, as explained inBattery
in this chapter.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Maintenance and care
54

Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do
not remove it while the engine is running.
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
6.8L V10 ENGINE
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Air filter assembly
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil .
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
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Maintenance and care
55

BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and refilled as needed. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the service interval schedules:
•Hydroboost brake fluid reservoir
•Hydromax brake fluid reservoir
1. Clean the reservoir cap before removal to prevent dirt or water from
entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid until the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
Maintenance and care
58

4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid certified to meet Ford specifications.
Refer toLubricant specificationsin theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic.
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry. This
may cause the brakes to fail.
Brake system fluid should be replaced on a regular basis to maintain
optimum braking performance, especially under heavy-duty driving
conditions such as frequent steep grades or heavy towing loads. Refer to
the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the service interval schedules.
ENGINE COOLANT
Check the level of the engine
coolant in the reservoir. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
service interval schedules. Be sure
to read and understandPrecautions
when servicing your vehiclein
this chapter.
COLD FILL LEVEL
Maintenance and care
59