ENGINE COOLANT
Checking coolant level
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine coolant
level. Check the engine coolant level
in the coolant reservoir when the
engine is cold.
If the coolant level has not been
checked at the recommended
interval, the coolant reservoir may
become empty. If this occurs, a
STOP ENGINE warning lamp will
illuminate (if equipped).
If necessary, add a mixture of 50% engine coolant concentrate and 50%
water (50/50 ratio) to the coolant reservoir to bring the engine coolant
level to within the cold fill range on the reservoir. For more information
on engine coolant, refer toAdding and replacing engine coolantin
this chapter.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot or personal injury may occur.
If you must remove the coolant reservoir cap, follow these steps to avoid
personal injury:
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let the engine
cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap. Slowly
turn the cap counterclockwise until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. Once you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn the cap counterclockwise and remove it.
Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine coolant,
antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified function and
vehicle location.
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134
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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136
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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138
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
•If your vehicle is equipped
with the 7.3L Power Stroke
engine,it will be necessary to
remove the air filter element from
the filter housing by moving the
exposed end of the filter element
down and to the rear of the
vehicle, then lifting the other end
of the filter element up and out
of the engine compartment.
•If your vehicle is equipped with the Cummins B engine,a
secondary air filter is located the bottom of the air filter housing to
keep dirt and debris from falling into the engine when the air filter
element is being removed. This secondary filter needs to be replaced
only after the primary air filter element has been replaced several
times. If necessary replace the secondary air filter.
5. Reach inside the air filter housing and clean the outlet tube where it
extends into the housing. Be sure not to damage the tube because the
air filter element seals around this surface.
6. Check to be sure that the drain hole in the air filter housing is open
and clear of any dirt and debris.
7. Check to be sure the new air filter element is not damaged, then
install it. Make sure there is a tight seal (apply pressure at the outer rim
of the element, not the flexible center).
8. Align the air filter cover latches with the holes in the air filter housing
and install the cover.
9. Push in on the cover latches, then turn the latches clockwise 90
degrees. Make sure that all air filter cover latches are fully engaged.
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145
SERVICING YOUR WHEELS AND TIRES
Wheel assembly
Your vehicle is fitted with hub
piloted wheels and two-element
swiveling lug nuts (20 & 22 mm).
Do not use taper type wheels or ball
seat wheel nuts.
•Do not paint the mating face of the hub/drum.
•Do not paint the two-element swiveling lug nuts or wheel stud.
•Do not allow an excessive thickness of paint to build between the disc
wheel mounting surfaces.
•Do not install disc wheels where the paint has not fully cured.
•At wheel changes, ensure mounting faces are clean and free of rust,
dirt and excess paint.
If fasteners are needed, use only Ford recommended replacement parts.
•To maintain the desired
torque/tension relation between
nut body and flange, it is
necessary to use clean engine oil
meeting Ford specification
WSS-M2C153-G between nut body and flange. Lubricate the nut body
and flange any time a wheel is removed.
The M20 & M22 wheel nuts are right-hand threads. Refer to the
following chart for approved wheel lug nut torque.
Wheel type Bolt size Wheel nut torque
10-hole disc
285.75 mm bolt circleM22 (22 by 1.5 mm) 610-677 Nm
(450-500 lb-ft)
8-hole disc
19.5x6.75 mm bolt circleM20 (20 by 1.5 mm) 610-677 Nm
(450-500 lb-ft)
The disc wheel nuts on your vehicle were tightened before delivery.
Recheck torque of nuts at 160 km (100 miles) and 800 km (500 miles) of
new vehicle operation or any time a wheel is removed. Reset to
recommended torque levels.
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147
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.
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155
Installation
The engine will not run properly if the fuel filter is not installed
in housing.
1. Apply a coating of clean diesel fuel to the new bevel gasket and install
it onto the fuel filter housing.
2. Install the new fuel filter element onto the cap. Place the new fuel
filter element and cap into the fuel filter housing. Allow fuel to soak into
the fuel filter element.
3. Tighten cap onto the fuel filter housing until cap contacts the housing.
4. Start the engine and check for fuel leaks.
After changing the fuel filter, the engine will purge the trapped air as it
runs. Engine may run roughly and smoke until the air is completely
eliminated.
Fuel filter replacement—Cummins B engine
Refer to your engine operator’s manual for service intervals and
procedures.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fillups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1 600 km (1 000
miles) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3 000 km–5 000 km (2 000 miles-3 000 miles).
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank(s) on your vehicle is equal
to the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank(s) as listed inFuel Tank
Capacitiesin theCapacities and Specificationschapter. The
advertised capacity is the amount of the Indicated Capacity and the
Empty Reserve combined. Indicated Capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty Reserve is the small amount of usable fuel remaining in
the fuel tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
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157