2001 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS check transmission fluid

Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do
not remove it while the engine is running.
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
6.8L V10 ENGINE
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
4. Power distribution box
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Air filter assembly
7. Brake fluid reservoir
8. Power steering fluid reservoir
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
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Maintenance and care
58

TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
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.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F).
Maintenance and care
71

Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66°C-77°C
[150°F-170°F]).
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at ambient temperature
(10°C-35°C [50°F-95°F]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
Maintenance and care
72

An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
The original universal joints are equipped with grease fittings.
Lubrication will be necessary. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide
for maintenance intervals.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. 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.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery 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.
Maintenance and care
73

REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Brake fluid High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Engine oil
(includes filter
change)Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Super
Premium Motor
OilAll 5.7L (6.0 quarts)
Engine coolant
1Premium Engine
CoolantAll 29.0L (30.6 quarts)
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCON
AT FAll Keep in FULL range
on dispstick
Rear axle
2Motorcraft SAE
75W-140
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantDana 80 3.9L (4.0 quarts)3
Dana 135 11.7L (12.0 quarts)3
Fuel tank N/A All284.0L (75 .0
gallons)
Transmission4Motorcraft
MERCON
AT FAll 16.8L (17.7 quarts)5
Your vehicle’s rear axle is filled with a synthetic rear axle lubricant and is
considered lubricated for life. These lubricants do not need to be
checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the
axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle lubricant should
be changed any time the rear axle has been submerged in water.
1Use Ford Premium Engine Coolant (green in color). DO NOT USE Ford
Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange in color). Refer toAdding engine
coolant, in the Maintenance and Care chapter.
2Fill 6 mm to 14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below bottom of fill hole.
3Fill Dana rear axles to 6 mm to 14 mm (1/4 inch to 3/4 inch) below
bottom of fill hole.
4Ensure 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
Capacities and specifications
94

Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord
specification
Parking brake
assemblyMotorcraft
MERCON
XT-2-QDX MERCON

Dana Axle Motorcraft SAE
75W-140 High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantF1TZ-19580-B WSL-M2C192-A
1Ensure 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
MERCON
and MERCON
V. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCON
type
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCON
V type fluid.
MERCON
and MERCON
V type fluids are not interchangeable.
DO NOT mix MERCON
and MERCON
V. Use of a transmission
fluid that indicates dual usage (MERCON
and MERCON
V) in
an automatic transmission application requiring MERCON
may
cause transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
ENGINE DATA
Engine 6.8L V10 engine
Cubic inches 415
Required fuel 87 octane
Firing order 1-6-5-10-2-7-3-8-4-9
Spark plug gap 1.3-1.4 mm (0.052-0.056 inch)
Ignition system Coil on plug
Compression ratio 9.0:1
Capacities and specifications
96

A
Air cleaner filter ...................61, 93
Ambulance packages ....................3
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .......................................64
Anti-lock brake system (see
Brakes) ..................................27–28
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive ...................................31
fluid, adding ..............................71
fluid, checking ..........................71
fluid, refill capacities ................94
fluid, specification ....................96
Axle
lubricant specifications ......95–96
refill capacities ..........................94
B
Battery .........................................73
acid, treating emergencies .......73
charging system warning light ..7
jumping a disabled battery ......52
maintenance-free ......................73
replacement, specifications .....93
servicing ....................................73
voltage gauge ............................12
Brakes ....................................27–28
anti-lock ...............................27–28
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .........................9, 28
brake warning light ....................7
fluid, checking and adding ......62
fluid, refill capacities ................94
fluid, specifications .............95–96
lubricant specifications ......95–96
shift interlock ............................30Break-in period .............................3
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ......94
Cleaning your vehicle .................91
engine compartment ................92
exterior ......................................92
wheels ........................................91
Coolant
checking and adding ................64
refill capacities ....................67, 94
specifications ......................95–96
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................17
D
Daytime running lamps (see
Lamps) .........................................15
Dipstick
automatic transmission fluid ...71
engine oil ...................................58
Doors
door ajar warning .......................9
lubricant specifications ............95
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ......................................73
Driving under special
conditions
through water ...........................38
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ............................52
Emission control system ............89
Engine ....................................96–97
2001 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement(supplement)
USA English(fus)
Index
100

S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................................10
Safety defects, reporting ............99
Safety restraints
warning light and chime ......7, 10
Servicing your vehicle ................57
Spark plugs,
specifications ...................93, 96–97
Special notice ..........................3, 98
Specification chart,
lubricants ...............................95–96
Speed control ..............................17
Speedometer ...............................13
Starting your vehicle ............22–24
jump starting ............................52
T
Tachometer .................................14
Tires .................................48, 76–77
changing ....................................48
checking the pressure ..............77
replacing ..............................49, 78
rotating ......................................78
snow tires and chains ..............79
tire grades .................................77treadwear ..................................76
Towing ...................................35, 77
trailer towing ............................35
wrecker ......................................56
Transmission ...............................30
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) ...............................71
fluid, refill capacities ................94
lubricant specifications ......95–96
Trip odometer .............................13
Turn signal ..................................10
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ............................................97
Vehicle loading ............................33
Ventilating your vehicle .............26
W
Warning chimes ...........................10
Warning lights (see Lights) .........6
Water, Driving through ...............38
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
operation ...................................20
Wrecker towing ...........................56
2001 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement(supplement)
USA English(fus)
Index
103