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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. Park the vehicle on level ground.
3. Set the parking brake and shift into N (Neutral) (automatic
transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission).
4. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain
completely into the oil pan.
5. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
6. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
7. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
•If the oil level isbetween FULL and OPERATING RANGE,the oil
level is acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
•Maintain the oil level between ADD and OPERATING RANGE on the
dipstick by adding oil as required.
•The distance from ADD to OPERATING RANGE on the dipstick
represents 1.9L (2 quarts).
•Oil levels above OPERATING RANGE may cause engine damage. Some
oil must be removed from the engine by a qualified service technician.
8. Put the indicator back into the engine and ensure it is fully seated.
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AVOID MIXING LUBRICANTS
In some cases, different brands of lubricants are not compatible with
each other and deteriorate when mixed. It is best to stick with one brand
during a maintenance interval.
CLUTCH (IF EQUIPPED)—LINKAGE LUBRICATION
Lubricate the clutch linkage using the following procedure. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the service interval schedules.
Use a grease which meets Ford specifications. Refer toCapacities and
specifications.
1. Set the parking brake, shift into 1 (First) and turn the engine off.
2. Remove the inspection cover from the clutch housing.
•Transmission and clutch
removed for clarity.
3. With a grease gun, lubricate the clutch release bearing (at one
location) and the clutch release shaft (at two locations) using the grease
fittings provided.
4. Lubricate clutch release wear pads at the two locations where they
contact the clutch release bearing using a brush or similar tool.
5. Install the inspection cover onto the clutch housing.
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the clutch fluid level. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide
for the service interval schedules.
During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant. If the fluid level drops, maintain the fluid level at the
step in the reservoir.
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Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet Ford specifications. Refer
toCapacities and specifications.
1. Set the parking brake, shift into 1
(First) and turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood.
3. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and water
from entering the reservoir.
4. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
5. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
6. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and cap onto reservoir.
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer fluid
Inspect the solution level in the
washer reservoir when insufficient
solution is sprayed.
Use 3.8L (4.0 quarts) of
Ultra—Clear Windshield Washer
Concentrate or a washer fluid that
meets the Ford specification listed.
Refer toLubricant specifications
in theCapacities and
specificationschapter.
State or local regulations on volatile
organic compounds may restrict the use of methanol, a common
windshield washer antifreeze additive. Washer fluids containing
non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used only if they provide cold
weather protection without damaging the vehicle’s paint finish, wiper
blades or washer system.
Do not put engine coolant or antifreeze in the washer fluid
reservoir. Engine coolant or antifreeze can severely reduce
visibility if sprayed on the windshield.
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Adding and replacing engine coolant-Caterpillar 3126 B engine
Refer to the engine operator’s manual for engine cooling system
information.
FAN CLUTCHES
Your vehicle’s cooling system is equipped with a viscous variable speed
fan clutch.
•The fan clutch helps control cooling, increase performance, improve
fuel economy and reduce noise.
•The fan clutch is controlled by bimetallic spring sensors. Do not
tamper with these sensors as this may change their calibration or keep
the fan clutch from operating at all.
Stay clear of the fan/fan area while the engine is running or
possible personal injury may occur.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Checking power steering fluid level
Check the power steering fluid level using the following procedure. Refer
to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the recommended service
intervals. If adding fluid is necessary, use only MERCONAT F.
1. Set the parking brake, shift into N
(Neutral) (automatic transmission)
or 1 (First) (manual transmission)
and turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood.
3. Clean the top of the power
steering fluid reservoir.
4. Remove the dipstick from the
reservoir and wipe the dipstick
clean.
5. Reinstall the dipstick. Remove it again and check the fluid level.
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Transmission fluid level should be checked by your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
If you must add transmission fluid, make sure the correct type of fluid is
being used. The type of fluid used is indicated in your Allison Automatic
Transmission Operator’s Manual.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
Manual transmission fluid
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for transmission fluid level
checks and fluid change intervals.
Your manual transmission may be filled with an optional synthetic fluid
which allows the use of extended service intervals. A tag on the filler
plug will identify the use of the synthetic fluid.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications (refer toLubricant
specificationsin theCapacities and specificationchapter).
Use of a non-approved transmission fluid may cause internal
transmission component damage.
For location of the transmission filler plug, refer to your transmission
operator’s manual orTransmission Refill Capacitiesin theCapacities
and specificationschapter.
Check your transmission fluid level using the following procedure:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Set the parking brake and shift into 1 (First) and turn the engine off.
3. Clean any dirt from around the filler plug.
4. Remove the filler plug and inspect the fluid level.
5. The fluid level should be up to the bottom of the filler plug opening.
6. If necessary, add enough fluid through the filler plug opening so that
the fluid level is at the bottom of the opening.
7. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
Drain and refill your transmission fluid using the following procedure:
1. Drain the transmission while the fluid is warm.
2. Park the vehicle on level ground.
3. Set the parking brake and shift into 1 (First) and turn the engine off.
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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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3. Set the parking brake and shift into N (Neutral) (automatic
transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission) and turn the engine off.
4. Clean any dirt from around the rear axle filler and drain plugs.
5. Remove the filler and drain plugs and drain the lubricant 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 lubricant through the filler plug opening so that the
lubricant level is up to the bottom of the opening.
8. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with two Motorcraft maintenance-free batteries
which are mounted in a covered tray and located on the left frame rail.
The covered battery tray, depending upon application, may also have one
or two steps attached.
•Covered battery tray shown.
Battery tray with steps similar.
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•Caterpillar 3126 B engine
Replace the air filter element using the following procedure:
1. Set the parking brake and shift into N (Neutral) (automatic
transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission) and turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
3. Push in and turn the latches that retain the air filter housing cover
counterclockwise 90 degrees, then carefully remove the cover.
4. Carefully remove the air filter element.Use caution to keep dirt
and debris from falling into the engine.A twisting rocking motion
may be needed to break the seal between the filter element and the filter
housing.
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