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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Engine oil and filter recommendations—Cummins B and Caterpillar
3126 B engines
Refer to the appropriate engine operator’s manual for information on the
engine oil.
Engine oil and filter recommendations—7.3L Power Stroke engine
To help achieve proper engine performance and durability, it is important
that you:
•Use only engine lubricating oils and oil filters of the proper quality.
•Change the engine oil and filterno laterthan the recommended
service interval. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the
appropriate intervals for changing the engine oil and filter.
•Change your engine oil and filter more frequently if your vehicle
operation includes extended periods of idling or low-speed operation,
driving for a long time in cold temperatures or short driving distances.
Diesel engines require specially formulated oil to resist contamination.
Proper quality oils also provide maximum efficiency of the crankcase
ventilation system which reduces air pollution.
Use Motorcraft motor oil or an equivalent oil meeting Ford specification
WSS-M2C171–B or API service category designation CH-4/SJ. Do not use
oils labeled with only one of the category designations SG, SH, SJ, CE,
CF-4, CH-4 or CG-4, as they could cause engine damage.
Diesel engine oils with improved fuel economy properties (energy
conserving) are currently available. If you use an energy conserving oil,
be sure it meets Ford specification WSS-M2C171–B or API service
category designation CH-4/SJ and is of the proper viscosity grade for the
temperature range in which you expect to operate your vehicle. Some
energy conserving oils do not meet the requirements necessary for your
diesel engine.
Maintenance and care
129
Using the chart, determine which SAE viscosity grade best suits the
temperature range in which you expect to operate your vehicle. The use
of the correct oil viscosity grade for diesel engines is important for
satisfactory engine operation.
A symbol has been developed by the American Petroleum Institute (API)
to help you select the proper engine oil. The symbol will be included on
the oil container you purchase.
The top section of the symbol shows
the API service category
designation. This should be CH-4/SJ.
The center section of the API
symbol shows the SAE viscosity
grade.
The lower section of the API symbol will stateenergy conservingif the
engine oil has been proven to have fuel savings capabilities.
Use a Ford engine oil filter, part number FL-1995 or equivalent. This
filter protects your engine by filtering harmful, abrasive or sludge
particles.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE
F˚ -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40
40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 -5 -10 -15 -20 -25 -30 C˚50 60 70 80 90 100
*15W-40 Preferred
10W-30
5W-30
0W-30Preferred
APISERVICECG-4/SHSAE15W-40
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130
BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Check and refill the Hydromax
brake fluid reservoir using the
following procedure. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
the service interval.
1. Clean the reservoir caps before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid from
a clean un-opened container until
the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Ford specifications. Refer toLubricant specifications
in theCapacities and specificationschapter.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry. This
may cause the brakes to fail.
Brake system fluid should be replaced on a regular basis to maintain
optimum braking performance, especially under heavy-duty driving
conditions such as frequent steep grades or heavy loads. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the service interval.
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131
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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132
Adding and replacing engine coolant-7.3L Power Stroke and
Cummins B engines
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for service intervals of the
engine cooling system.
Use Ford Premium Engine Coolant E2FZ-19549–AA (in Canada,
Motorcraft CXC-8–B) or a premium engine coolant that meets Ford
specification ESE-M97B44–A. Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze.
The use of an improper coolant may cause cooling system and/or engine
damage and may void the warranty of your vehicle’s engine cooling
system.
A mixture of 50% engine coolant concentrate and 50% water (50/50
ratio) is recommended to maintain best overall cooling system
performance. A 60/40 antifreeze to water ratio is acceptable for
extremely cold climates, but the coolant and water mixture must be
returned to a 50/50 ratio at the end of the winter season. To avoid
damaging the cooling system and engine, the coolant and water mixture
should never exceed a 60/40 antifreeze to water ratio.
Operating the engine with insufficient coolant can cause severe
cooling system and engine damage.
When refilling the engine cooling system as part of regular maintenance
or due to service, adhere to the following instructions:
1. Drain and flush the cooling system to remove dirt deposits, oil and
rust particles. Always dispose of used automotive fluids following your
community’s standards.
2. Fill the coolant reservoir with the specified coolant and water mixture
until the level stabilizes within the cold fill range.
3. Reinstall the coolant reservoir cap.
4. Start and idle the engine until the upper radiator hose is warm
(approximately 10–15 minutes). If the hose does not get warm, repeat
this step at a higher engine speed.
5. Once the hose is warm, shut the engine off.
6. Cautiously remove the coolant reservoir cap as previously described,
and add the specified coolant and water mixture until the level stabilizes
within the cold fill range of the coolant reservoir.
7. Reinstall the engine coolant reservoir cap.
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135
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.
Maintenance and care
136
•If the fluid temperature is at
approximately 20°C-49°C (68°F
- 120°F) (fluid cool or warm to
the touch), check the COLD
side of the dipstick. The fluid
level should be within the FULL
range
•If the fluid level is below the ADD
line, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking the level until
it reaches the proper level.
•If the fluid temperature is at
approximately 80°C - 110°C
(176°F - 230°F) (fluid too hot
to touch), check the HOT side
of the dipstick. The fluid level
should be within the FULL range.
•If the fluid level is below the ADD
line, add fluid in small amounts,
continuously checking the level until it reaches the proper level.
A low fluid level may indicate a leak in the power steering system.
Inspect the power steering system and repair the leak. If necessary, see
your dealer or a qualified service technician.
To avoid damage to the power steering system,do notoperate the
vehicle with a low power steering fluid level.
Whenever the dipstick is installed, make sure it is properly seated and
tightened securely.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner.
Follow your community’s standards for disposing of these types of fluids.
Call your recycling center to find out about recycling automotive fluids.
Automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your Allison Automatic Transmission Operator’s Manual for
scheduled intervals for transmission 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.
ADD MAX. COLDFULL
ADD MAX. HOTFULL
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137