2000 FORD EXCURSION steering wheel

3. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
4. Turn the engine off.
5. Recheck the fluid level on the dipstick. Do not add fluid if the level is
between the arrows in the FULL COLD range.
6. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the FULL COLD range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in the reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, 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.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Maintenance and care
172

Cleaning the exterior lamps
Wash with the same detergent as the exterior of your vehicle. If
necessary, use a tar remover such as Ford Extra Strength Tar and Road
Oil Remover (B7A-19520±AA).
To avoid scratching the lamps, do not use a dry paper towel, chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners.
Cleaning the wiper blades, windshield and rear window
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean the wiper blade rubber
element with undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild detergent.
To avoid damaging the blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or
other solvents.
If the wiper still does not wipe properly, this could be caused by
substances on the windshield or rear window such as tree sap and some
hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes. Clean the outside of
the windshield or rear window with a non-abrasive cleaner such as Ford
Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner, (E4AZ-19C507±AA), available from your
Ford Dealer.Do notuse abrasive cleansers on glass as they may cause
scratches. The windshield or rear window is clean if beads do not form
when you rinse it with water. The windshield, rear window and wiper
blades should be cleaned on a regular basis, and blades or rubber
elements replaced when worn.
Cleaning the instrument panel
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the driver
from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
Cleaning the instrument cluster lens
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the lens.
Maintenance and care
202

Seats ............................................74
child safety seats ....................101
cleaning ...................................203
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ...................70±72
Servicing your vehicle ..............158
Snowplowing .................................3
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................204, 209
Special notice ................................3
diesel-powered vehicles .............3
utility-type vehicles ....................3
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................207, 209
Speed control ..............................45
Speedometer ...............................15
Starting your vehicle ........108, 110
jump starting ..........................151
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................49
T
Tachometer .................................17
Tires ...........................146, 180±182
changing ..........................146±147
checking the pressure ............182
replacing ..................................183
rotating ....................................182
snow tires and chains ............184
tire grades ...............................181
treadwear ................................181
Towing .......................................182
recreational towing .................133
wrecker ....................................157
Traction-lok rear axle ...............179Transfer case
fluid checking .........................174
Transmission .............................115
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................172
fluid, refill capacities ..............204
lubricant specifications ..207, 209
Transmission control
indicator light ..............................11
Trip odometer .............................16
Turn signal ............................12, 44
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................209
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) ...........................211
Vehicle loading ..........................125
Ventilating your vehicle ...........111
W
Warning chimes ...........................14
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Washer fluid ..............................165
Water, Driving through .............128
Windows
power .........................................52
rear wiper/washer .....................50
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....165
checking and cleaning ....179±180
liftgate reservoir .....................165
operation ...................................49
replacing wiper blades ...........180
Wrecker towing .........................157
Index
230