4. Clean any dirt from around the filler and drain plugs.
5. Remove the filler and drain plugs and drain the fluid into a suitable
container. Dispose all used automotive fluids in a responsible manner
following your local authorized standards.
6. Clean and install the drain plug securely.
7. Add enough fluid through the filler plug opening so that the fluid level
is up to the bottom of the opening.
8. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
REAR AXLE LUBRICANT
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for rear axle lubricant level
checks and lubricant change intervals.
Your rear axle may be filled with an optional synthetic lubricant which
allows the use of extended service intervals. A tag on the filler plug will
identify the use of the synthetic lubricant.
Use only a lubricant that meets Ford specifications (refer toLubricant
specificationsin theCapacities and specificationchapter).
Use of a non-approved rear axle lubricant may cause internal axle
component damage.
Check your rear axle lubricant level using the following procedure:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Set the parking brake and shift into N (Neutral) (automatic
transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission) and turn the engine off.
3. Clean any dirt from around the rear axle filler plug.
4. Remove the filler plug and inspect the lubricant level.
5. The lubricant level should be up to the bottom of the filler plug
opening.
6. If necessary, add enough lubricant through the filler plug opening so
that the lubricant level is at the bottom of the opening.
7. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
Drain and refill your rear axle lubricant using the following procedure:
1. Drain the rear axle while the lubricant is warm.
2. Park the vehicle on level ground.
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139
•Battery tray with cover removed.
Motorcraft maintenance-free batteries do not normally require adding
additional water. However, for severe usage or in high temperature
climates, check the battery electrolyte levels. 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.
Make sure the battery cover/shield is reinstalled after the battery
has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the batteries 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.
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141
Tire inflation pressure must not exceed the recommendations of
the axle, tire and/or wheel rim manufacturer for the specific
load, speed and application. The inflation pressures on the tire sidewall
do not take the wheel rim capabilities into consideration.
Never use a rim of different manufacture or any different size or
type than original rims.
Try to replace tires in pairs on the same axle shaft. Tires larger or
smaller than originally installed may affect the accuracy of the
speedometer. Consult your dealer about the need to change the switch
setting on the back of the speedometer.
Front wheel alignment
If abnormal tire wear or ride and handling characteristics such as vehicle
lead or wander are experienced with properly inflated tires, the front
end alignment should be checked.
Wheel bearing care
Front and rear wheel bearings are adjustable to correct for bearing and
spindle wear. Long bearing life depends upon proper adjustment and
correct lubrication. If bearings are adjusted too tightly (preloaded) they
will overheat and wear rapidly. Loose adjustment will cause pounding
and will contribute to uneven tire wear, steering difficulties and
inefficient brake operation.
Refer to the Ford Service Manual applicable to your vehicle for proper
tightening procedures and torque specifications.
Periodically check the oil level on oil filled front bearing hubs. If
necessary, add oil through the filler plug so the oil level is between the
ADD and FULL marks indicated on the hub. Do not overfill. Overfilling
can result in oil on brake linings.
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for fluid level checks and
change intervals for the front hubs.
Your front hubs may be filled with an optional synthetic fluid which
allows use of the extended service intervals. A blue colored filler plug
identifies use of the synthetic fluid.
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150
Draining the fuel filter/water separator—Cummins B engine
Refer to your engine operator’s manual for service procedures.
Fuel filter replacement—Caterpillar 3126 B engine
The fuel filter/water separator is
located on the left side of the
engine. Replace the fuel filter/water
separator as recommended in the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide, or
sooner if it becomes plugged.
Vehicles operated on fuel with more
than average impurities may require
replacement of the fuel filter more
frequently. The spin-on filter has a
water drain valve built into the
bottom of the filter canister.
Removal
1. Using an oil filter wrench, remove the filter.
2. Carefully clean the mating surfaces.
Installation
1. Fill the filter with clean, fresh diesel fuel.
2. Coat the filter seal with clean, fresh diesel fuel.
3. Hand-tighten the filter until it seats firmly against the mount, then
tighten (by hand) an additional
1⁄3to1⁄2turn.
4. Start the engine and check for fuel leaks.
Maintenance and care
155
Item Ford Part NameFord Part
NumberFord
Specification
Engine coolant-
7.3L Power
StrokeFord Premium
Engine CoolantE2FZ-19549-AA
(in Canada,
Motorcraft
CXC-8-B)ESE-M97B44-A
Engine coolant-
Caterpillar 3126
B engine and
Cummins B
engineRefer to the engine operator’s manual.
Power steering Motorcraft
MERCONAT FXT-2-QDX MERCON
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateC9AZ-19550-AC ESR-M17P5-A
1Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide to determine the correct
service interval for the lubricant which you are using.
2Ford Motor Company currently does not offer a SAE 50 Motor oil.
3Ford Motor Company currently does not offer a synthetic based
lubricant for this viscosity grade. Select the correct SAE viscosity grade
lubricant and API service category for your vehicle’s operating
conditions.
4Refer toEngine oil and filter recommendations–7.3L Power Stroke
enginein theMaintenance and carechapter to select the correct SAE
viscosity grade and API service category for your vehicle’s operating
conditions.
Capacities and specifications
172
GENERAL MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
The Scheduled Maintenance Services listed in this section are required
because they are considered essential to the life and performance of
your vehicle.
Ford Motor Company recommends you perform the Owner Maintenance
Services listed in this section. These services are matters of day-to-day
care that are important to the proper operation of your vehicle. In
addition to the conditions described in the Owner Maintenance Checklist,
be alert for any unusual noise, vibration or other indication that your
vehicle may need service and attend to it promptly.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to Ford specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and
built for best performance in your vehicle. Using these parts for
replacement is your assurance that Ford-Built quality stays in your
vehicle.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
The maintenance or replacement of the emission control devices (or
systems) in your new Ford Motor Company vehicle (or engine) may be
performed at your expense. These services may be performed by any
automotive repair establishment or individual using automotive parts
equivalent to those with which your vehicle or engine was originally
equipped. If any parts other than Ford, Motorcraft, or Ford authorized,
remanufactured parts are used for maintenance replacements (or for the
service) of components effecting the emission control, the owner should
be assured that such parts are warranted by their manufacturer to be
equivalent to genuine Ford Motor Company Parts in performance and
durability. Please consult your warranty information booklet for complete
warranty information.
Authorized dealer maintenance
Your authorized dealer specializes in knowing all about Ford Motor
Company vehicles rather than knowing a little about all makes.
There are Ford or Ford of Canada dealer service shops ready to serve
you wherever you drive in the U.S. or Canada. They stock Ford and
Motorcraft parts, and Ford Chemicals and lubricants. You can be
confident that these meet the same exacting design and quality
standards as those used to build the vehicle originally. Dealer Service
Technicians have available training in the latest product developments
and service techniques.
General maintenance information
175
OWNER MAINTENANCE
You can do much of the maintenance your vehicle requires yourself, if
you have the time and a reasonable amount of mechanical ability. If you
prefer to have this work done professionally, your authorized dealer
stands ready to help you.
All mechanical components and attachments are important in that they
could affect the performance of vital components and systems. If
replacement becomes necessary, they must be replaced with parts having
the same part number or with equivalent parts. Torque values of the
attaching parts must be used as specified during any reassembly
procedure to assure proper retention.
EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM
To assure the emissions control systems operate effectively, you should
have the services listed in the maintenance schedule performed at the
specified time and km/mileage intervals. You should avoid running out of
fuel or turning off the ignition while the vehicle is in motion, especially
at high speeds.
Because of high engine compartment and exhaust system
temperatures resulting from emissions equipment, do not park,
idle or operate your vehicle in dry grass or other dry ground cover
where the possibility of ground fire exists.
Do not make unauthorized modifications to the engine or vehicle.
Modifications causing increased amounts of unburned fuel to reach the
exhaust system can significantly increase the temperature of the engine
compartment and/or the exhaust system.
Avoid driving your vehicle if it does not operate properly. If the engine
diesels (more than five seconds of engine run-on after shut-off), misfires,
surges, stalls or backfires, see your dealer. Be alert for fluid leakage,
odor, smoke, loss of oil pressure, or charge indicator or over temperature
warning.
Do NOT use diesel fuel blended with waste oil in engines equipped with
a CATALYTIC CONVERTER-MUFFLER. Waste lube oil blending in fuel
will plug the CATALYTIC CONVERTER-MUFFLER, resulting in a
significant loss of engine power.
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176
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE SERVICES
Maintenance service adjustments must conform to specifications
contained in this manual, and those shown on the Important Engine
Information Decal. The following services are to be performed at
scheduled intervals because they are considered essential to the life and
performance of your vehicle. Ford recommends that you perform
maintenance on all designated items to achieve best vehicle operation.
Scheduled maintenance beyond 160 930 km (100 000 miles) should be
continued as before 160 930 km (100 000 miles).
SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
If your driving habitsfrequentlyinclude one or more the following
conditions:
•Short trips oflessthan 16 km (ten miles) when outside temperatures
remain below freezing.
•Operating duringhot weatherin stop-and-go“rush hour”traffic.
•Operating in severe dust conditions.
•Extensive idling, or low speed operation such as door-to-door delivery
service.
•High speed operation with a fully loaded vehicle (max. GVW).
•Snowplowing.
Perform the following:
•Change engine oil and oil filter every three months, 8 000 km (5 000
miles) or 125 hours of engine service.
•If operating in severe dust conditions, replace the air cleaner filter
more often than regular intervals as determined by the air filter
restriction indicator. Make sure that the air filter restriction indicator
is in good working order.
•Lube the manual transmission and the rear axle every 48 279 km
(30 000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
•See the Allison, Cummins and Caterpillar Operator’s Manual.
General maintenance information
179