1999 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS service interval

Separate functioning brake systems are required for safe control of
towed vehicles and trailers weighing more than 680 kg (1 500 lbs) when
loaded.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.
Driving while you tow
Do not drive faster than 88 km/h (55 mph) when towing a trailer.
Speed control may shut off if you are towing on long, steep grades.
When towing a trailer:
•Use a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills. This will
eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your maintenance guide and or
service guide for more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up in an area before starting on
a trip to get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning,
make wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other
obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10% of the loaded trailer weight.
•After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place
the gearshift in P (Park) and increase idle speed. This aids engine
cooling and air conditioner efficiency.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Driving
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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

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level on the
dipstick. It should be between the
arrows in the FULL range on the
side of the dipstick with the words
MAX. HOT at the top. Do not add
fluid if the level is within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the FULL range. Be sure to put the dipstick
back in the reservoir.
ADD MAX. HOTFULL
Maintenance and care
64

DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
The original universal joints are equipped with grease fittings.
Lubrication will be necessary. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide
for maintenance intervals.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the “level indicator”.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
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.
Maintenance and care
67

LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord
specification
Brake fluid High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidC6AZ-19542-AB ESA-M6C25-A
and DOT 3
Engine coolant Ford Premium
Engine CoolantE2FZ-19549-AA
(in Oregon,
F5FZ-19549-CC,
in Canada,
Motorcraft
CXC-10)ESE-M97B44-A
Engine oil Motorcraft
5W-30 Super
Premium Motor
OilXO-5W30-QSP WSS-M2C153-G
with API
Certification
Mark
Automatic
transmission
(4R100)
1
Motorcraft
MERCONAT FXT-2-QDX MERCON
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT FXT-2-QDX MERCON
Parking brake
assemblyMotorcraft
MERCONXT-2-QDX MERCON
Dana Axle Motorcraft SAE
75W140 High
Performance
Synthetic rear
axle lubricantF1TZ-19580-B WSL-M2C192-A
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. MERCONand MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONand MERCONV. Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance
Guide to determine the correct service interval.
Capacities and specifications
86

FILLING STATION INFORMATION
Fuel information Unleaded only - 87 octane
Fuel tank capacity 284.0L (75 gallons)
Engine oil (includes filter change) 5.7L (6.0 quarts). Use Motorcraft
5W30 Super Premium Motor Oil,
Ford specification WSS-M2C153-G.
Tire size and pressure Refer to the Certification Label.
Power steering fluid capacity Keep in FULL range on dipstick.
Use Motorcraft MERCONAT F.
Automatic transmission fluid
capacity-4R100
116.8L (17.7 quarts). Use
Motorcraft MERCONAT F.
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. MERCONand MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONand MERCONV. Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance
Guide to determine the correct service interval.
Filling station information
96