2000 FORD F150 steering

Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
What you should know about fail-safe cooling (if equipped)
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The ªfail-safeº distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
²the engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
²the
symbol will illuminate.
²the
symbol will illuminate.
²theService Engine Soon
indicator light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
²the engine power will be limited.
²the air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature:
²the engine will completely shut down.
²steering and braking effort will increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.C
H
Maintenance and care
211

When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to a service facility.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
5. Re start the engine and take your vehicle to a service facility.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to a
service facility as soon as possible.
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 MERCONtAT 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.
Maintenance and care
212

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.
Cleaning the interior fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Do not use household or glass cleaners.
These agents can stain and discolor the fabric. Use a mild soap and
water solution if necessary.
Cleaning and maintaining the safety belts
Clean the safety belts with a mild soap solution recommended for
cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the belts, because
these actions may weaken the belt webbing.
Check the safety belt system periodically to make sure there are no
nicks, wear or cuts. If your vehicle has been involved in an accident,
refer to theSafety belt maintenancesection in theSeating and safety
restraintschapter.
Maintenance and care
245

REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Brake fluid
and clutch
fluidHigh
Performance
DOT 3
Motor
Vehicle
Brake FluidAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Engine
coolant
1Premium
Engine
Coolant4.2L V6 engine with
1 row radiator19.0L (20.1 quarts)
4.2L V6 engine with
2 row radiator20.4L (21.6 quarts)
4.6L V8 engine with
1 row radiator19.5L (20.6 quarts)
4.6L V8 engine with
2 row radiator21.9L (23.1 quarts)
5.4L V8 engine with
1 row radiator22.6L (23.9 quarts)
5.4L V8 engine with
2 row radiator24.1L (25.5 quarts)
Engine oil
(includes
filter
change)Motorcraft
SAE 5W-20
Super
Premium
Motor OilAll 5.7L (6.0 quarts)
Fuel tank N/A 4x4 Reg. Cab with
short wheelbase92.7L (24.5 gallons)
4x2 Regular Cab,
SuperCab and
SuperCrew with
short wheelbase94.6L (25.0 gallons)
All long Wheelbase 113.6L (30.0 gallons)
Power
steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONt
AT FAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Capacities and specifications
248

ItemFord part name
or equivalentFord part
numberFord
specification
Transmission
/steering/parking
brake linkages
and pivots,
brake and
clutch pedal
shaft (if
equipped)Premium
Long-Life GreaseXG-1-C or
XG-1-KESA-M1C75-B
Power steering
fluid, transfer
case fluid
(4X4) and
transmission
fluid (manual)Motorcraft
MERCONtAT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
Automatic
transmission
(4R100)
2
Motorcraft
MERCONtAT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
Automatic
transmission
(4R70W)
2
Motorcraft
MERCONtVATFXT-5-QM
MERCONtV
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateC9AZ-19550-AC ESR-M17P5-A
1Add 118 ml (4 oz) of Additive Friction Modifier C8AZ-19B546-A or
equivalent meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118-A for complete refill of
Traction-Lok axles. Add 236 ml (8 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier
C8AZ-19B546-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118-A
for complete refill of 10.25 and 10.5 inch Traction-Lok axles.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. Check the container to verify the fluid being added is of the
correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such as
MERCONtand MERCONtV. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCONttype
Capacities and specifications
252

Speed control
Towing mirrors
Trailer hitch (Class III)
Trailer hitch bars and balls
Trailer hitch wiring adaptor
Protection and appearance equipment
Air bag anti-theft locks
Battery warmer/blanket
Bed mat/bedliner tailgate covers
Bed mats
Bedliners
Cargo cover
Diamond plate, bed rail caps
Diamond plate, front box protector
Diamond plate, tool box
Door edge guards
Carpet floor mats
Flat splash guards
Front end covers (full)
Hood deflectors
Leather wrapped steering wheel
Locking gas cap
Molded splash guards
Molded vinyl floor mats
Side window air deflectors
Spare tire lock
Step bumpers
Tailgate covers, diamond plate
Tonneau covers (soft)
Truck cover
Customer assistance
269

anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....13, 140
anti-theft ...................................13
brake ..........................................12
charging system ........................13
check coolant ............................14
cruise indicator .........................15
door ajar ....................................15
engine oil pressure ...................14
high beam .................................13
low fuel ......................................10
safety belt .................................12
service engine soon ..................11
speed control ............................71
turn signal indicator .................13
Load limits .................................160
GAWR ......................................160
GVWR ......................................160
trailer towing ..........................160
Loading instructions .................161
Locks
autolock .....................................91
Lubricant specifications ...251, 253
Lumbar support, seats .....100±101
M
Manual transmission .................147
fluid capacities ........................248
lubricant specifications ..........253
reverse .....................................152
Mirrors
automatic dimming
rearview mirror .........................77
fold away ...................................81
side view mirrors (power) .......80
Motorcraft parts ................231, 247O
Octane rating ............................229
Odometer .....................................17
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................200
Overdrive .....................................72
P
Panic alarm feature,
remote entry system ..................91
Parking brake ............................141
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....247
Pedals (see Power
adjustable foot pedals) ...............22
Power adjustable foot pedals .....22
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................182
Power door locks ..................79, 91
Power steering ..........................142
fluid, checking and adding ....212
fluid, refill capacity ................248
fluid, specifications .........251, 253
Preparing to
drive your vehicle .....................143
R
Radio ............................................24
Relays ........................................177
Remote entry system ...........89, 91
illuminated entry ......................94
locking/unlocking doors ...........90
panic alarm ...............................91
replacement/additional
transmitters .........................93±94
replacing the batteries .............92
Index
277

S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................15, 102±106
Safety defects, reporting ..........272
Safety restraints ................102±106
belt minder .............................108
cleaning the
safety belts ......................112, 245
extension assembly ................107
for adults .........................103±105
for children .............................122
lap belt ....................................107
warning light
and chime ....................12, 15, 108
Safety seats for children ..........123
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............102
Seats ............................................97
child safety seats ....................123
cleaning ...................................246
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ...................87±88
Servicing your vehicle ..............197
Snowplowing .................3, 171±173
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................247, 253
Special notice ............................3, 5
ambulance conversions ..............3
four-wheel drive vehicles .......174
utility-type vehicles ....................4
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................251, 253
Speed control ..............................67
Speedometer ...............................17
Starting your vehicle ........133, 136jump starting ..........................190
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................71
T
Tachometer .................................18
Tailgate ..................................81±82
Tires ...........................185, 222±224
changing ..........................185, 187
checking the pressure ............224
replacing ..................................225
rotating ....................................224
snow tires and chains ............226
tire grades ...............................223
treadwear ................................223
Tonneau cover .......................82, 86
Towing .......................................224
recreational towing .................170
wrecker ....................................195
Traction-lok rear axle ...............142
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................217
Transmission
automatic operation ...............144
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................213
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................216
fluid, refill capacities ..............248
lubricant specifications ..251, 253
manual operation ....................147
Transmission
control indicator light .................14
Trip odometer .............................18
Trunk ...........................................86
Turn signal ............................13, 66
Index
278